Man who raped child after alcohol 'grooming' jailed

A man who raped a 13-year-old child after manipulating the victim into drinking excessive amounts of alcohol has been jailed for 14 years.

Andrew Mackay, 64, from High Spen, Gateshead, attacked the child after the victim passed out as a result of too much alcohol, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The victim said they had tried to take their own life after the assault, and would "never forgive" Mackay.

Mackay, who had denied any wrongdoing, was found guilty of two counts of rape and sexual assault.

Judge Sarah Mallett said Mackay had been "grooming" the child with alcohol, and at the time of the rape had given the victim so much to drink they were unable to fully recollect what had happened.

In a statement read to the court, the child said they felt sick thinking about the abuse and relived it on a daily basis.

The victim said Mackay had ruined a "normal" teenage life, adding: "I will never be able to look back and think of my teenage years as the best years of my life like most others."

Mackay, of Bute Drive, must also sign the Sex Offender Register for life, and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

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