LAUNCESTON PAEDOPHILE PETER CRESS SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE
A paedophile who raped a young girl – destroying her life in the process – has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term.Peter Cress, aged 34, was convicted of raping a vulnerable victim on two separate occasions, both times when she was just seven years old.
Cress, who hails from Launceston, was tried at Truro Crown Court and found guilty by a jury of two rape charges.
During the trial, prosecutor Heather Hope detailed how the victim’s vulnerability was increased due to her mother’s alcohol problems and her subsequent time in care.
The authorities were alerted after the girl confided in a friend about her abuse, and police verified her account.
The abuse involved Cress, in his 20s at the time, undressing himself and the girl, then forcing her onto him, causing her significant pain.
Cress’s representative, Joss Ticehurst, acknowledged that Cress suffered from an inadequate upbringing but also emphasized that he is 'not through and through a monster.' Ticehurst noted that since the offending, Cress has been a supportive and loving partner who has avoided trouble.
The judge, Simon Carr, highlighted the victim’s vulnerability, stating: 'On two occasions you raped her.
She was too young to understand what was happening, and she thought it was normal.
She had nobody to turn to.' The judge added that the girl told a friend at age 14 and later felt unable to tell an adult directly.
The court acknowledged that Cress showed no remorse and noted the profound impact on the victim, who has blamed herself for the incident.
Cress was sentenced to 13 years in prison with an additional year to be served on licence.
He will also be required to sign the sex offenders' register, and a restraining order has been imposed.
