Craig Raeburn, a serving prisoner at HMP Preston, was found guilty of sexually abusing a teenager after arranging meetings in hotels in Barrow. The abuse followed a period of grooming through online conversations, and the victim later identified Raeburn during a police procedure.
The court heard details of the abuse, which involved multiple sexual acts and the use of a mobile phone to record or attempt to record the victim. Raeburn has a history of sexual offences and was previously jailed for related crimes.
Online Grooming and Initial Meeting
Raeburn, aged 61, began communicating with the teenager online while serving time at HMP Preston. Following a series of sexualised messages, he suggested meeting at a hotel in Barrow. The first encounter occurred soon after, where Raeburn attempted to kiss the victim, who resisted. He then instructed the victim to undress and committed an oral sex act.
Subsequent Abuse and Recording
The court was told Raeburn met the victim again at a different hotel. During this meeting, while the victim was performing an oral sex act, Raeburn was seen pointing his mobile phone towards them, raising concerns that he was recording or photographing the abuse. He then sexually assaulted the victim again, reportedly recording the act on his phone. The victim experienced severe pain and expressed a desire to leave.
Disclosure and Identification
The victim disclosed the abuse to their mother, leading to Raeburn’s arrest. At the police station, the child successfully identified Raeburn during an identity procedure. The prosecution highlighted the grooming and planning involved, as well as the significant age difference between Raeburn and the victim.
Previous Convictions and Sentencing
Raeburn has a history of sexual offences, including a 14-month sentence at Edinburgh Sheriff’s Court for possession and taking indecent images of children. He was also jailed for 32 months for attempting to cause a child to view sexual images and hear indecent communications, and more recently received a 14-month sentence for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Court Proceedings and Impact
Raeburn was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court on four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. During sentencing hearings, the victim provided a statement describing the mental and physical impact of the abuse, stating it led them down a dark path but that they have since found some normality with support.
Defence and Sentencing Adjournment
Raeburn’s defence acknowledged the lack of mitigation and highlighted the risk of serious sexual harm in the future. The judge adjourned sentencing until April 9 to consider the imposition of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
