A TEENAGER repeatedly raped and indecently assaulted his young cousin for more than two years, starting when she was just six.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty yesterday.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the teenager would abuse the youngster when she visited his home. Robert Woodcock, prosecuting, told the court: "When she was visiting the home of the defendant, her cousin, which was frequently the case, he would repeatedly abuse her."

The court heard how the child was examined by a paediatric consultant after she confessed to her mother, who confirmed that she had been repeatedly abused.

The youth, from Ushaw Moor County Durham, denied two charges of rape and two of indecent assault, but the jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict on all charges after just two hours.

Sentence was adjourned until December 20 for reports