RYAN BRODY SENTENCED FOR SHOCKING SEX ATTACK IN ASHINGTON

In January 2018, a disturbing case unfolded in Ashington involving Ryan Brody, a 20-year-old man who was convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl in a back lane. The incident occurred after Brody lured the young girl to meet him under the false pretense of sharing a cigarette. The court heard that Brody had a troubling history of inappropriate contact with the victim, having previously reached out to her when she was only 12 years old, requesting pictures of her stomach. Her family had warned her to stay away from him at that time, but the predator persisted.

After a period of substance use, involving alcohol and drugs, Brody re-established contact with the girl two years later. He engaged her through a series of late-night messages, convincing her to meet him in Ashington. The girl believed she was simply going to have a cigarette with him, unaware of his true intentions. When she arrived at the agreed location, Brody immediately took control of the situation. He grabbed her hand, pulled down her jeans and underwear, and sat her on a nearby wall. Without warning, he proceeded to rape her, despite her repeated pleas to go home and stop.

Despite her protests and attempts to resist, Brody continued his assault. He then took her from the wall, laid her on her side, and continued the sexual attack. Before leaving, he warned her not to tell anyone about what had happened. However, the girl confided in a family member, which led to Brody’s arrest. His arrest was a direct consequence of her courage to speak out, and he was subsequently charged and brought before Newcastle Crown Court.

During the court proceedings, Brody pleaded guilty to the charge of rape. The court sentenced him to six years and two months in a young offender institution. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order and to register as a sex offender. Brody, who was formerly residing on Bamburgh Terrace in Ashington and had no prior criminal record, faced justice for his heinous actions.

The impact of the assault on the victim was profound and deeply felt by her family. Her mother read a heartfelt statement on her daughter’s behalf, describing the devastating emotional and psychological toll the attack had taken. She explained that her daughter now feels persistent sadness, anxiety, and anger. She has become socially withdrawn, avoiding friends and staying indoors. The trauma has caused her to suffer from sleep disturbances, flashbacks, and a significant loss of appetite, leading her to lose a stone in weight. The mother expressed her anguish, stating, “I feel my life has been taken away from me.”

Furthermore, her mother revealed that her daughter has attempted to take her own life multiple times and struggles with nightmares that replay the assault. She emphasized that it is unjust for a child of only 14 to be given medication just to help her sleep. The family’s suffering is compounded by the fact that Brody will eventually be released from prison, allowing him to move on with his life, while the victim and her family will carry the scars forever. The mother concluded by asserting that Brody is responsible for the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon her daughter and that he must face the consequences of his actions.