Rapist who groomed young girl is jailed

A man who groomed a young girl before raping her in a park has been jailed.

Reggie Cannon was 19 when he began messaging the 14-year-old girl on Instagram, telling her he was aged 16 and still at school.

The messaging continued for several weeks, and Cannon came to meet the girl after she finished school on a number of occasions.

In December 2020, the pair met up in a park in Seaham where Cannon raped and sexually assaulted the girl.

He was arrested and a police investigation launched.

The 24-year-old, of Stanley, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and grooming, which he admitted at a previous court hearing.

He also admitted failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements, after failing to disclose he had changed addresses.

Cannon appeared at Durham Crown Court today (July 17) where he was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

He was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Investigative Officer Leanne Hogg, from Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

She said: “I’d like to commend the young girl for the strength she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to Cannon and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous predator off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk  
• NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
• Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk