CRAIG MCGURK

A convicted child rapist has been sentenced to 14 years after grooming a teenage girl and threatening to end his life if she refused to have sex with him.

Court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court revealed that 41-year-old Craig McGurk manipulated the girl, who was over 25 years his junior.

The jury convicted him on eight counts of serious offences.

A victim impact statement read by the court reflected her feelings, stating: "I find it very difficult to put into words how all of this has affected me.

There is still a lot that I don't know how to explain.

All I can say is that I hate him." The severity of the crimes was highlighted by the large age disparity between defendant and victim, as noted by TeessideLive.

Before sentencing, Judge Paul Watson KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, commented: "You groomed and manipulated her, using emotional blackmail to force her into sex, even threatening to end your own life." McGurk was charged with two counts of rape, for coercing an underage girl into sexual activity through manipulation.

Judge Watson KC stated: "On the last occasion, she told you openly she didn’t want to have sex, but you continued anyway." Defense lawyer Chris Baker mentioned that McGurk has had difficulty adapting after serving in the military.

He now works as a cleaner in prison, also serving as a listener and mentor for other incarcerated veterans.

The judge concluded: "These offences are extremely serious, involving the exploitation of a very young girl by an older, more experienced man." Craig McGurk, of Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, was sentenced to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment.