Rhys Walker Sentenced for Grooming and Rape of Teenager

An individual who groomed a 14-year-old girl online and subsequently raped her has received an eight-year prison sentence. Rhys Walker, aged 24, communicated with the teenager for several weeks prior to compelling her into sexual acts, according to proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court. Despite denying charges of rape and sexual assault, jurors found him guilty of both offences. Judge Tim Gittins stated that Walker, who resides in West Boldon, South Tyneside, was aware of and “preyed upon” the “particularly vulnerable” girl’s age and challenging home circumstances. The court was informed that Walker was 21 years old when he initiated contact with the girl on social media and promptly began transmitting sexualised images to her. Jurors were informed that after a period of three or four weeks, he extended an offer for the girl to reside at his home. Judge Gittins commented that while the offer outwardly seemed to be one of sanctuary, Walker was in fact “seeking to get her alone” with the intention of using force for sexual activity. A statement from the girl, read in court, detailed how the assault had severely impacted her mental health, resulting in self-harm, flashbacks, and sleep difficulties. “I am relieved people have believed me and I can get closure knowing he can’t do this to anyone else,” the girl stated, further adding: “I can finally start to move on with my life.” Walker, residing at Hall Gardens, is also required to register as a sex offender and comply with a sexual harm prevention order that restricts his access to internet-enabled devices indefinitely.