Owen Wilson, now 18, broke down in tears at Newcastle Crown Court as Judge Penny Moreland sentenced him to a two-year suspended prison term for raping a child he encountered while drinking in a South Shields park. Wilson, of Grace Court, South Shields, pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred when he was 15.
Details of the Offence
The court heard that on the afternoon of August 19, 2023, Wilson was drinking with friends at a park in South Shields. The group began speaking to younger girls who were also in the park, as reported by Chronicle Live. The victim started drinking with the group, but as the day progressed, she was left alone with Wilson. The following day, the victim told her friend that Wilson had raped her. She then informed a family member, who contacted police.
Sentence and Conditions
In addition to the suspended sentence, Wilson must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 40 days of rehabilitation activity. He was also made subject to a 10-year restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. Judge Moreland noted that she had to impose the sentence that would likely have been handed down at the time of the offence, when Wilson was 15.
When initially interviewed by police, Wilson gave a "no comment" interview before later pleading guilty to rape at a plea and trial preparation hearing.
