A Gateshead man has been jailed for nine years for raping a teenage girl after giving her alcohol. Connor Quinn, 31, of Ulverston Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, was convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Offence and investigation
Quinn gave the young girl alcohol before raping her at an address in Gateshead in 2023. The victim-survivor disclosed the assault to a friend and then reported it to the police. Quinn was arrested shortly afterwards and questioned, but he denied any wrongdoing.
In December 2024, he was charged with one count of rape. After a five-day trial, he was found guilty on February 25.
Sentencing and protective measures
On Friday, November 6, Quinn appeared at the same court and was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by a further five years on extended licence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and given indefinite restraining and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO) to protect the victim-survivor.
Detective Constable Claire Ashurst, from the force’s safeguarding department, said: “Connor Quinn has preyed on the vulnerabilities of someone significantly younger than him for his own selfish desires.
“As a result, the victim-survivor was subjected to an appalling and life-changing ordeal which she had to re-live throughout this investigation and trial. I want to commend her extraordinary courage — not only in coming forward, but in supporting the investigation and seeing the judicial process through to conclusion.
“No sentence can undo the trauma she has endured, but I hope Friday’s outcome provides some measure of reassurance that Quinn has now been brought to justice.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence to come forward and speak to us. We will do everything we can to support you.”
Support for victims
Northumbria Police’s website provides information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape. Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, can also send the force a direct message on social media. Those unable to report this way should call 101, and in an emergency or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.
