Teenager sentenced for pool rape

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A teenager who raped a 13-year-old girl in a swimming pool changing room has been sentenced to 12 months detention in a young offenders institution.

The 16-year-old boy attacked his victim in the mixed sex changing area of the Europa leisure centre in Birkenhead, on the Wirral, Merseyside on 10 July.

He demanded a kiss and sex before forcing her to give him oral sex.

The boy, who admitted rape at an earlier hearing, was sentenced at Wirral Youth Court.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

I am now afraid, scared of boys and men I haven't met before Statement from victim The court heard how the girl had stayed in the changing room to do her hair while her family waited for her in the leisure complex cafe.

She fled immediately after the attack and told relatives what had happened.

District judge Nicholas Sanders said: "The victim was a very young girl.

"She was a complete stranger to you and the offence occurred in a public place where families have a right to go, to be safe from this type of behaviour."

In a statement read to the court, the girl said: "I am now afraid, scared of boys and men I haven't met before.

"I am scared of ever seeing the young man who attacked me again.

"Every day I think about what happened to me.

"It has also made me scared about going out with my family in case it happens again.

"I try not to think about what happened to me because it makes me upset."