This is Exeter -- Police have praised the courage of the victim of a sexual predator as he was jailed for 12 years. Richard Prout was convicted of raping a 15-year-old runaway who took refuge at his home. Exeter Crown Court heard he deceived the vulnerable schoolgirl into moving into his bedsit by telling her that social workers had approved it but then carried out a string of violent attacks. He subjected her to a reign of terror which resulted in her becoming under his power and becoming pregnant by him and having his child when she was just 16. The victim was studying for GCSEs but left home after her relationship with her parents broke down and was living rough when he picked her up. He was already going out with another girl who had just turned 16 and when a probation officer asked him about his predeliction for young girls he replied: "Age is just a number". Prout, 50, of Legion Way, Exeter, denied three rapes and two offences of sexual activity with a child but was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court. He was jailed for 12 years by Recorder Mr David Bartlett, who said there were a number of aggravating features including the huge difference in age and the use of force and intimidation. He told Prout: "This was an extremely vulnerable 15-year-old who fell into your clutches. She had left home and was sleeping on the streets when you offered her accommodation under the pretence of being a father figure. "I am satisfied you were grooming her as a sexual partner and did not wait long before you raped her violently. There was a degree of compulsion and force until you achieved a degree of submission. "After she was 16 she submitted to your advances passively without wanting to and eventually became pregnant, bearing a child shortly before her 17th birthday. "You are quite clearly capable of of causing serious harm to young children, particularly teenaged girls. "This victim was manipulated,controlled and abused physically and sexually over a period of time and her recovery is unlikely to be quick." During a trial in February a jury heard how the attacks started when the runaway moved into a flat where Prout lived for a short time in Haldon Road, Exeter. Prout claimed the girl only started having sex with him when she turned 16 and agreed to all the sexual activity that took place. He denied ever using force or threats. Prout was arrested as part of Operation Hat. DI Steve White said: "Operation Hat was a complex and demanding investigation focused upon historical sexual abuse of young girls in the Exeter area. "I would like to recognise the courage of those who attended the court to provide evidence under difficult and demanding circumstances. "In addition the tenacity and attention to detail of the investigating team significantly contributed to the overall prosecution. The police officers involved displayed personal commitment and dedication over an 18 month period. The support provided to those affected by dedicated officers over the same proved crucial to this outcome. The local community should feel proud and reassured of the high standard of investigation commitment and victim support applied to this operation. "Historical sexual abuse is known to have both short and long term damaging personal impact upon victims and their communities. The delivery of justice provides some closure to victims and opportunities of further support to manage this damage. Devon and Cornwall Police treat allegations of historical sexual abuse seriously. Complains of this nature will always be subject to similar robust and thorough investigation."
Reported by This is 5 days ago.
This is Exeter -- Police have praised the courage of the victim of a sexual predator as he was jailed for 12 years. Richard Prout was convicted of raping a 15-year-old runaway who took refuge at his home. Exeter Crown Court heard he deceived the vulnerable schoolgirl into moving into his bedsit by telling her that social workers had approved it but then carried out a string of violent attacks. He subjected her to a reign of terror which resulted in her becoming under his power and becoming pregnant by him and having his child when she was just 16. The victim was studying for GCSEs but left home after her relationship with her parents broke down and was living rough when he picked her up. He was already going out with another girl who had just turned 16 and when a probation officer asked him about his predeliction for young girls he replied: "Age is just a number". Prout, 50, of Legion Way, Exeter, denied three rapes and two offences of sexual activity with a child but was found guilty by a jury at Exeter Crown Court. He was jailed for 12 years by Recorder Mr David Bartlett, who said there were a number of aggravating features including the huge difference in age and the use of force and intimidation. He told Prout: "This was an extremely vulnerable 15-year-old who fell into your clutches. She had left home and was sleeping on the streets when you offered her accommodation under the pretence of being a father figure. "I am satisfied you were grooming her as a sexual partner and did not wait long before you raped her violently. There was a degree of compulsion and force until you achieved a degree of submission. "After she was 16 she submitted to your advances passively without wanting to and eventually became pregnant, bearing a child shortly before her 17th birthday. "You are quite clearly capable of of causing serious harm to young children, particularly teenaged girls. "This victim was manipulated,controlled and abused physically and sexually over a period of time and her recovery is unlikely to be quick." During a trial in February a jury heard how the attacks started when the runaway moved into a flat where Prout lived for a short time in Haldon Road, Exeter. Prout claimed the girl only started having sex with him when she turned 16 and agreed to all the sexual activity that took place. He denied ever using force or threats. Prout was arrested as part of Operation Hat. DI Steve White said: "Operation Hat was a complex and demanding investigation focused upon historical sexual abuse of young girls in the Exeter area. "I would like to recognise the courage of those who attended the court to provide evidence under difficult and demanding circumstances. "In addition the tenacity and attention to detail of the investigating team significantly contributed to the overall prosecution. The police officers involved displayed personal commitment and dedication over an 18 month period. The support provided to those affected by dedicated officers over the same proved crucial to this outcome. The local community should feel proud and reassured of the high standard of investigation commitment and victim support applied to this operation. "Historical sexual abuse is known to have both short and long term damaging personal impact upon victims and their communities. The delivery of justice provides some closure to victims and opportunities of further support to manage this damage. Devon and Cornwall Police treat allegations of historical sexual abuse seriously. Complains of this nature will always be subject to similar robust and thorough investigation."
Reported by This is 5 days ago.