CARL GILCHRIST SENTENCED IN TEESSIDE FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES
A teenage rapist who abused a younger boy has been brought to justice as an adult, after being jailed again for breaching his parole.The offender, Carl Gilchrist, was accused of sexually assaulting a boy several years his junior during his teenage years.
Now 24, Gilchrist was sentenced for his sex offences yesterday at Teesside Crown Court.
Gilchrist, of Walton Court, Stockton, denied all charges, leading to a trial last month where a jury unanimously found him guilty of five counts two of rape and three of indecency with a child.
The court was told that he repeatedly raped and forced the victim to perform sexual acts over a prolonged period.
During the sentencing, Recorder Ben Nolan QC remarked that if Gilchrist had been an adult when the crimes occurred, his prison sentence could have been in double figures.
However, because of his age at the time, the sentencing was adjusted accordingly.
The judge explained, "If he had been an adult when he committed these crimes, his prison term would reach double figures.
As it is, I have to sentence you as though you were still a boy, so I very considerably discount the sentence that would be imposed upon an older offender." He emphasised the impact on the victim, saying, "The victim was a very young boy when these acts were done to him.
These acts had very profound effects on him." The judge also noted some evidence suggesting Gilchrist exerted intimidation during the offences.
Prosecutor Paul Cleasby pointed out that Gilchrist had no previous convictions, though he did have a caution for assault related to kissing.
Gilchrist's family provided references, and his defence lawyer Adrian Dent described him as a "confused, immature person, struggling with his own sexuality" at the time, suggesting that his youth influenced his actions.
Dent added, “His youth at that time probably took a significant part in his offending.
What he did was a significant part of his growing up process which must have been very difficult for him.” He further stated, “There’s never been any suggestion of further offending.” and noted that the crimes did not involve overt threats or intimidation, only reported black looks.
Gilchrist was unable to appeal the verdict but was clearly unsettled by the court's decision and the prospect of imprisonment.
The judge sentenced him to five and a half years in prison, imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, and prohibited him from working with children.
Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.
Detective Constable Fran Donovan of Cleveland Police expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, saying, “I am very pleased with the sentence.
“Both the victim and his family have shown great courage and strength during the trial which must have been extremely traumatic for them and I would like to commend them for this.
“I hope today’s sentencing will go at least some way to helping the victim feel justice has been done.”
