KRISTOFER HENDERSON SENTENCED IN TEESSIDE FOR RAPE OF YOUNG BOY IN SELBY
In a case that has shocked the local community, Kristofer Henderson, aged 24, was sentenced to nine years in prison at Teesside Combined Court for the heinous crime of raping a young boy.Henderson had pleaded guilty to the charges, which involved the assault of a child under the age of 13, and the court's proceedings revealed disturbing details about the incident.
According to court records, the assault took place at a residence in Selby on August 18 of the previous year.
The young victim confided in his mother about the assault later that afternoon, prompting immediate police action.
Henderson was swiftly arrested that same night, but he chose to give a no comment interview during police questioning.
Despite his silence, forensic evidence played a crucial role in the case; DNA samples collected from the boy’s clothing were tested and conclusively linked Henderson to the crime scene.
Prosecutor Tom Storey described the victim’s account to police, stating that the boy expressed feelings of disgust, saying, “it felt disgusting,” and emphasized the danger of such acts, remarking, “It’s dangerous.
You can’t do that.” The victim’s mother provided a statement highlighting the emotional toll on her son, revealing that he now blames himself for various misfortunes, struggles with sleep, and has undergone counseling sessions with the NSPCC, which she felt had not been effective.
During the court hearing, defense lawyer Tina Dempster acknowledged the severity of the case, describing it as “truly dreadful by anybody’s standards.” She characterized Henderson as “an intelligent man, but a man with difficulties,” and expressed hope that he would cooperate with authorities while incarcerated to mitigate any future risk of offending.
Henderson appeared visibly distressed, looking pale and crying as the judge read out the circumstances and the sentence.
Judge John Walford addressed Henderson directly, condemning the case as “dreadful and shocking.” He acknowledged Henderson’s guilty plea, which spared the victim from having to testify in court, and as a result, reduced the potential sentence from the maximum of 12 years to nine.
The judge also issued Henderson an indefinite sexual offences order, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the need for ongoing supervision.
Commenting on the case, Detective Sergeant Adam Normanton of the York Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit stated, “The sentence brings to an end an extremely difficult and upsetting time for the victim and his family.
They have been brave enough and strong enough to help the police investigate this horrific offence, and Henderson’s refusal to plead guilty earlier only caused them more pain.
Henderson is a paedophile who committed an evil act, and he fully deserves the sentence handed down by the court.
I hope this outcome provides some sense of justice for the victim and his family, despite the emotional scars that will remain for some time.”
