Woman who groomed and abused young boy jailed

A woman who groomed and sexually assaulted a young boy over several months has been jailed for four years.

Caitlin Hutchinson, 21, of Roker Avenue in Sunderland, sent the victim sexually explicit text messages and made him carry out sex acts on her.

Durham Police said Hutchinson initially denied the offences and told officers the boy had forced himself on her.

The boy, who is in his early teens, said the last 18 months had been hell and he could not forgive Hutchinson for "ruining his childhood".

"I've changed so much because of what I've been through," he said.

"I don't want to be around women alone because I don't feel safe, even around women I know because I don't want to be targeted and manipulated again."

The boy, who is not being named for legal reasons, said he now struggled to sleep because his thoughts turned to memories of the abuse and he suffered from anxiety and depression.

"I feel like I will never get over what she has done to me, that I am damaged, and that I will never be fully happy.

"I just want a normal life and I don't feel that my life will ever be normal again."

Hutchinson was arrested when the boy told his parents about the abuse.

She was charged with six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and causing or inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity.

After admitted the offences, Hutchinson appeared at Durham Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing where she was jailed and made the subject of a restraining order.

She was placed on the sex offenders register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, banning her from contacting children under 16 and using social media without first notifying the police.

PC Sophie Farrugia, from South Durham CID, said Hutchinson exploited the boy for her own sexual gratification.

"She has showed no concern for the long-lasting effect that her behaviour has had on him, which has resulted in significant emotional trauma.

"I'd like to commend the boy for his bravery and courage in reporting what happened to him and for standing up to Hutchinson in court and bringing her to justice."

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