South Tyneside grotesque paedophile who raped two children jailed for more than 25 years
Karl Young, of South Shields, left a girl and a boy traumatised and devastated by his cruel sexual abuse
by Rob Kennedy · ChronicleLiveA paedophile who raped two children in "grotesque" offences has been jailed for more than 25 years.
Karl Young carried out a series of "near-sadistic" offences which left his victims and their family members traumatised and devastated. Now the 33-year-old, who admitted four counts of rape and other child sex offences against a boy and a girl, has been brought to justice at Newcastle Crown Court.
The court heard the girl had texted her family during her ordeal and managed to flee the scene while he was distracted. Her grandmother rushed to pick her up and found her "sobbing uncontrollably".
She gave an account to police saying she had been crying as Young raped her. He also warned her not to tell her mother.
In a victim impact statement, the girl said she has struggled with her mental health as a result of what happened to her. She added: "After he raped me I just wanted him dead."
The girl's mother said she had endured "despicable" abuse and it has affected her own mental stability. She added: "He has impacted and affected all of our lives and I hope justice prevails and we are able to move on."
The girl's gran said the youngster was "terrified and upset" and said her granddaughter's ordeal has left her "heartbroken". She added: "I can't believe someone could be so cruel and disgusting. He has caused so much hurt and devastation to our family."
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It was later revealed Young had also sexually abused and raped a young boy and made him keep quiet by threats.
Young, of St Marks Way, South Shields, admitted four counts of rape, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and assault by penetration. He was jailed for 25 years and six months with an extended licence period of a further year. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for life and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.
Recorder Nicholas Lumley KC said despite pleading guilty, Young had continued to give a "self-pitying" account denying what he had done when speaking to the probation service, instead of showing genuine remorse by admitting what he had done was "grotesque" and that he was a paedophile. The judge said his denials will perpetuate the abuse he carried out on the children.
He added: "They are each to be commended for their strength in the face of your near-sadistic behaviour."
Jane Foley, defending, said Young has no previous convictions and added: "He doesn't accept his offending behaviour but he maintains his guilty pleas and wants to be sentenced."
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