A predator, Paul Evennett, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping a vulnerable adolescent boy.
Paul Evennett exploited a “desperately vulnerable” adolescent who was uncertain about his sexuality and subsequently raped him after inviting him on a seaside excursion. The 55-year-old left the child grappling with psychological challenges and considering suicide.
Paul Evennett, from Washington, was jailed on Thursday at Newcastle Crown Court for three charges of rape. He refuted the allegation but was adjudicated guilty after a trial.
The court heard that Paul Evennett committed the offences in the Gateshead area in 2018 and had befriended the boy and his family. The boy was said to be “confused” about his sexuality and had suffered bullying in school and was “particularly vulnerable” due to his personal circumstances.
The court heard that on one day in 2018, Paul Evennett invited the teen to the beach, and took him for a drive before buying him a McDonald’s. Later, they went back to a home to watch films and it was there that Evennett raped him.
Following the incident, Paul Evennett continued to send multiple messages to the victim, which put the teen under “intense pressure”.
In a statement, the now-adult victim branded Paul Evennett a “monster” and said at the time of the rape, he had been struggling with his life and sexuality but that Evennett had “pretended to be concerned for me and my welfare”.
He said on the day of the rape offences, Paul Evennett had been asking him “personal, uncomfortable questions”. Following the rape, the victim struggled with school and dealt with flashbacks.
Speaking of the messages Paul Evennett continued to send him, he said: “I was always being reminded by the monster who attacked me that he was still there.” The statement added that when Evennett went to trial, it was the “darkest time” of the victim’s life, and he even contemplated suicide.
Jane Waugh, defending, said Paul Evennett was a father who was being supported by his family and was of previous good character. She said: “He is someone who has held down a good job as a manager at a local store. The offences happened on one day on one occasion, and he will live with this for the rest of his life.” Ms Waugh added Evennett will make use of his time in prison.
Judge Amanda Rippon said Paul Evennett “took advantage of a desperately vulnerable young man who was confused about his sexuality”. She said the rape had a “devastating impact” on the victim.
Paul Evennett was jailed for 13 years and will be on the sex offender’s register for life. A lifetime sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.
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