RAPIST BRIBED GIRL WITH VIDEO GAME
Lewis Nugent will serve time in prison over the Christmas period due to sexual offences committed when he was a teenager, including three counts of rape.The 27-year-old was found guilty on all nine charges after a trial at Durham Crown Court held in early November.
At his sentencing hearing on Thursday, December 18, Nugent was reported to still deny the allegations.
The judge expressed concern that his continued denial indicated he may remain a threat to young girls.
Prosecutor Sam Ponniah explained that Nugent engaged in grooming behaviour, telling the victim she was “special” and his “favourite,” and offering to let her play a video game if she touched him sexually.
Nugent also instructed her to keep their activities secret, covering her mouth during one rape and causing her to become physically sick after another incident, which led to punishment.
In her victim impact statement, read aloud in court, the young woman described being “tortured by the memories” of her abuse.
She admitted that even mentioning Nugent’s name makes her feel ill and that her trust in males has been deeply affected, including her relationship with medical professionals.
She expressed relief that Nugent, whom she describes as a “monster,” will no longer be able to harm her.
Nugent, of Saturn Close, Easington Colliery, was convicted of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and three counts of causing or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity.
Defending him, solicitor Victoria Lamballe presented character references from friends and family, along with a psychologist’s report.
Regarding Nugent’s pre-sentence report, which states he denies guilt, Lamballe acknowledged his protests but emphasised she does not intend to diminish the harm caused.
She highlighted that this was Nugent’s first offence and first encounter with the criminal justice system.
Judge Nathan Adams emphasised that despite his denials, Nugent was found guilty on all counts unanimously by a jury.
Describing his conduct as “pervasive and persistent,” the judge labelled him as a dangerous offender, particularly toward young girls.
However, the sentence was determined with consideration of his age at the time of offending.
Nugent was sentenced to six years in prison, with a further four years on licence following release.
The judge explained that he must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term (or four years) before he’s eligible for parole, though he could potentially spend all six years incarcerated.
The court also ordered Nugent to register as a sex offender for life, imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years, and issued a 15-year restraining order preventing him from approaching or contacting his victim.
