Spennymoor rapist who attacked three girls jailed for 13 years

Harrison Strange was a teenager when he sexually abused the three girls, including two while on bail after his arrest for the first rape.

The 21-year-old targeted the teenagers when they were heavily intoxicated before forcing himself on them, Teesside Crown Court heard.

His victims described the devastating impact the abuse had on their young lives.

Annie Richardson said the first teenager was attacked in a field while drinking with friends in County Durham.

The court heard the victim had been drinking heavily when Strange targeted her.

Miss Richardson said the girl told a friend what had happened, and the recording was played to the jury at Strange’s trial.

Strange was arrested but denied raping the victim, claiming the sexual contact was consensual.

He was interviewed again shortly before carrying out the next two rapes, weeks apart.

Miss Richardson said the second teenager was raped at Strange’s home after turning up for what she believed was a party.

She said Strange plied the girl with alcohol before attacking her in his bedroom while her friend slept on the floor.

The third attack took place at a campsite in North Yorkshire, where Strange raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who had been drinking while her friend slept in the same tent.

The defendant also sent the youngest victim a picture of a penis.

Strange, of Snowdrop Close, Spennymoor, was convicted of raping all three victims in separate trials, as well as assault by penetration and engaging in sexual activity with a child against one of them.

His defence lawyer, Peter Sabiston, reminded the judge that the father-of-one was only a teenager himself when he committed the offences.

Judge Richard Bennett sentenced Strange to 13 years in prison for the three rapes.

“The impact on each of these girls has been significant,” he said. “Your pre-sentence report makes troubling reading.

“The complete denial of offences is not unusual for someone who has been convicted of sexual offences. In your case, you go on to victim blame – suggesting one had made a false complaint and the two others were motivated by financial gain.

“I reject all of that completely, as did the jury.

“I am satisfied there is clear evidence of sexual entitlement and misogyny. Your offending was persistent, not isolated.”

“It was exploitative and the presence of others did not act as a deterrent to you.”

Strange was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and given indefinite restraining orders and a 20-year sexual harm prevention order.