Man Jailed for Raping Teenage Girl He Groomed Online

Richard Park, 45, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl he groomed online. Park, who has no fixed address, met the victim in January 2020 after contacting her on social media. While in his car in North Tyneside, he forced the teenager to perform a sex act on him.

The victim bravely reported the incident to police and provided officers with numerous messages Park had sent her. Park initially denied any physical contact but was subsequently charged with rape of a female under 16, engaging in sexual communications with a child, and child grooming.

He pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and child grooming but denied the rape charge. He was convicted of the rape charge following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

In addition to the nine-year prison sentence, Park was also made subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders' Register for the next decade.

Detective Constable Karen Douglas of Northumbria Police praised the victim's courage in coming forward and said the conviction would hopefully provide closure and allow her to move on with her life.

Det Con Douglas described Park as a "manipulative and predatory paedophile" and highlighted his callous actions in pursuing a sexual relationship with a minor, forcing her to endure a trial by pleading not guilty to the rape charge.