18-year-old from Arnold who raped boy, 11, is sentenced to three years
Offender Steven Edgar was locked up for three years
A man has been locked up for raping an 11-year-old boy.
Steven Edgar, 18, formerly of Dearleap Drive, Arnold, received a three-year sentence when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court today, Friday April 20.
His crimes were discovered when the victim's mum heard him arguing with his elder brother, who gave her the victim's mobile phone which contained intimate photos.
They included Edgar stood behind the young boy wearing nothing on the lower half of his body. Other photographs were of Edgar, who has an IQ of 79, exposing himself.
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After his mum saw the prints, the boy's appalled family went to police.
The child had taken selfies (file pic)
Edgar was arrested, and later admitted rape and sexual assault.
He said the young boy went to a shop and returned with condoms. The child asked the defendant if he "wanted to have some fun".
The rape and sexual assault happened in this setting after both had been drinking.
Matthew Smith, representing Edgar, told Judge Rosalind Coe, who sentenced the teenager: "You are dealing with an 11-year-old victim, who himself is vulnerable and also a defendant, your honour knows from reports submitted, who is also vulnerable.
"What sets this aside, it is not an offence that is sexually motivated in any way".
The offences seemed to have been because of the defendant's impaired judgement, partly because of his learning disability and also alcohol that had been drunk, the court heard.
"This is not a case where alcohol was used to facilitate the offence in any way," said Mr Smith. "It impaired his judgement.
"The complainant took the photos, not Mr Edgar," he added, stressing it was a "wholly exceptional case".
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Judge Coe QC acknowledged the offences happened in unusual circumstance and the child, it seemed, was interested in sexual activity.
However, she said that young children have to be protected by adults, even if a child appears willing and consenting. The court heard that a child of 11 cannot consent.
"I cannot ignore what you did to a small boy," she added as she locked Edgar up for three years for the rape. No separate penalty was passed on the sexual assault.
She extended his licence period by one year, ordered he remain on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and he will be on the sex offenders' register for life.
Speaking after Edgar's sentencing, PC Claire Sadler, of Nottinghamshire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: "Nothing can repair the terrible damage Edgar has caused to this boy and his family.
"I hope this sentence, and the immense bravery shown by the victim and his family during this prosecution, shows that victims can feel confident about coming forward and that Nottinghamshire Police treats rape and sexual assault extremely seriously."
Edgar pleaded guilty to raping the boy
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 111, visit www.childline.org.uk or download the 'For Me' app.