Teenager named over child rape

A teenager who sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl while on bail for the rape of a ten-year-old has been named. [27 January 2010]

Simon Heaton, 17, was named after a judge overturned a court order banning him from being publicly identified. Heaton, from St Helens in Merseyside pleaded guilty to rape, five counts of sexual assault and causing grievous bodily harm to both his victims. He has been jailed indefinitely for the public's protection and will serve a minimum of five years.

Two assaults

Heaton first offended when he was 16-years-old, following his victim through Victoria Park. He grabbed her, threatening to break her neck. He attacked and raped the ten-year-old before she managed to escape and run home.

Heaton was arrested and charged with rape, although he denied the charge. He was granted bail on the condition that he live outside Merseyside. He went to live in Blackburn in Lancashire. Ten weeks later, he committed his second offence.

Read more on The Times' website.

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