Rapist who preyed on three vulnerable girls is jailed

No always means no.

That’s the message from officers after a rapist who preyed on three vulnerable girls was jailed for 13 years.

Harrison Strange was a teenager when he sexually abused the three girls, including two while on bail after his arrest for the first rape.

During the first incident, which happened in November 2021, Strange assaulted a girl while she was out drinking with her friends in a field.

She told him “No” and that she wanted to rejoin her friends, but Strange ignored her and went on to rape her.

The girl told her friend what had happened and the police were called, resulting in Strange’s arrest.

While on bail as further enquires were carried out, Strange then went on to assault two more girls just weeks apart.

The second teenager had arrived at Strange’s home after turning up for what she believed was a party.

Strange plied the girl with alcohol before dragging her upstairs and attacking her in his bedroom.

During the third incident, which took place at a campsite in North Yorkshire, Strange raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl who had been drinking while her friend slept in the same tent.

Strange, of Spennymoor, was charged with the rape of all three girls as well as assault by penetration and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

The 21-year-old denied the offences but was found guilty following separate trials.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court last Thursday (September 10), Strange was jailed for 13 years.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, given indefinite restraining orders and a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Penny Hatton, from South Durham CID, said: “Strange is an extremely dangerous offender who has shown no remorse for his actions and the devastating impact his offending has had on the girls.

“I want to commend the three girls for having the bravery to come forward and disclose what had happened to police.

“By standing up and speaking out against their attacker, they have helped to take a dangerous man off the streets who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

If you or someone you know has experienced 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