A vile child rapist will spend the next 17 years behind bars for sickening sex attacks.
Chilton paedophile Lee Aunger was said to have caused the youngster, “great harm” and she is now struggling with the impact of what happened to her.
The 37-year-old defendant of Denebridge Row, was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison at Teesside Crown Court, on Friday (May 22).
It follows his conviction after a trial at Durham Crown Court, in early March.
Aunger was found guilty of charges of rape, seven of sexual assault and one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Dan Cordey, prosecuting, told the sentencing hearing that the jury verdicts mean Aunger, who has no previous convictions, now qualifies as, “an offender of particular concern”.
Mr Cordey said when the victim was asked how the defendant’s offending had affected her, she said she had struggled at school as a result and could not focus on her lessons.
Defending Aunger, Caroline McGurk, told the court: “He maintains his denials, but tells me he is most anxious that maintaining his position is not misconstrued as defiance on his part.
“He has asked me to say he respects the jury’s decision, notwithstanding the devastation it has caused him.
“He’s of previous good character and has been in long-term employment.
"Numerous character references speak highly of him.”
Judge Nathan Adams said the defendant attacked the child “for his own sexual gratification”.
Imposing the lengthy jail term, Judge Adams said it, “was an appropriate sentence for the great harm caused” to the victim, who he said is still, “struggling to impact what happened to her.”
He added: “I’m sure that will be the case for a long time.”
Aunger must serve two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible to apply for parole and will only be released if the Parole Board feel it’s safe to do so.
Read next ... more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
He will be required to register as a sex offender for life and will be subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 25 years.
A restraining order was also put in place, for the protection of his victim, for 25 years.
Aunger will also be referred to the barring service, prohibiting him from working with children at any time in future.
Share