A TEENAGER has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a girl.

Jay Johnson (18), of Derwent Road, Hexham, admitted the charge of sexual assault on a girl under the age of 16 when he appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in February, and he returned for sentencing on May 7.

Johnson was given a three-year community order, placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years, given a five-year-long sexual harm prevention order and a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim.

The court heard that Johnson, who was aged 16 at the time of the offence, was out walking with the teenage victim before carrying out the attack on her in 2018.

Officers at Northumbria Police have praised the bravery of the young victim for bringing her aggressor to justice.

In a victim impact statement, the victim spoke of how her world had been turned upside down by Johnson’s actions.

Detective Constable Jaclyn Younger, of Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, said: "I want to praise the victim, who bravely came forward, putting her trust in police and receiving the full support of her family and other support networks.

"I hope she can take some solace knowing that the person who assaulted her has been put before the court and brought to justice.”

The police are asking for anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, to get in touch on 101 or report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website. 

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline, call 03333 448283 or find out more about the force's Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116.