MAN WHO RAPED CHILD JAILED
Ryan Bird, a resident of Redcar, committed sexual assault against a young girl on 1 June 2025, and engaged in further sexual acts with her between 18 September and 18 November 2025.The incidents occurred in the child's bedroom while the household was sleeping.
Bird had communicated with the girl via Facebook Messenger and Snapchat, expressing feelings of love, missing each other, and seeking hugs.
On 22 December, Bird admitted to the charges of rape and sexual activity with a minor and was held in custody.
He appeared before Teesside Crown Court on 17 February to be sentenced to a total term of 10 years and six months, with an extra year on license.
The court also issued an indefinite restraining order to safeguard the victim from Bird and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), in addition to placing Bird on the sex offenders register.
During the trial, it was detailed that police responded to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough on 17 November 2025, leading to interviews with the victim, her family, and other witnesses, supported by digital forensic analysis.
The following day, Bird was arrested by Cleveland Police’s child abuse and vulnerable adults team and taken into custody.
