A "PREDATOR" WHO HAD SEX WITH AN UNDERAGE TEEN HE MET AT A PUB HAS BEEN JAILED FOR FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS.
A schoolgirl found herself back at a residence in South Tyneside with Tony Bruce, while her anxious parents searched the local streets for her following an argument.During a court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that while her family was in distress, Bruce and the girl remained awake throughout the night.
Bruce purchased alcohol for her, and the duo used cocaine and cannabis.
Prosecutor Nicoleta Alistari stated that Bruce engaged in sexual activity with the girl at that house.
The court was told that the girl stayed with Bruce for a second night, during which she refused to have sex, although there was some sexual contact.
Miss Alistari noted that the girl's mother tried repeatedly to contact her during the two days but was unaware of her whereabouts after the argument.
In an impact statement read aloud in court, the girl described her initial perception of Bruce as 'kind and nice,' but now recognizes his actions as 'vile.' Her mother expressed that discovering what happened to her daughter was 'painful' and called Bruce a 'sex predator.' The mother also stated that her family was actively searching the streets for the girl.
Bruce, aged 30 with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting the girl to engage in sexual acts.
He also admitted to attempting to interfere with the course of justice by persuading the teenager not to pursue charges against him.
Judge Julie Clemitson ordered Bruce to register as a sex offender and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.
Addressing Bruce's conduct, Judge Clemitson described his behavior as 'predatory' and criticized him for not verifying the girl’s age properly, saying, 'You didn't take the time or care to establish precisely how old she was.' Defense solicitor Sam Faulks noted that Bruce has no previous convictions related to sexual offenses and has never served a prison sentence.
Mr.
Faulks emphasized that rehabilitation efforts are not a primary focus within the prison system.
