A sexual predator has been put behind bars for 13 years for raping a vulnerable boy.

Paul Evennett took advantage of a “desperately vulnerable” boy who was confused about his sexuality and went on to rape him after inviting him on a day trip to the seaside.

The 55-year-old left the boy battling psychological issues and contemplating suicide.

Evennett, of Washington, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday to be sentenced for three counts of rape.

He denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial.

The court heard that Evennett committed the offences in the Gateshead area in 2018 and had befriended the boy and his family.

The boy was said to be “confused” about his sexuality and had suffered bullying in school and was “particularly vulnerable” due to his personal circumstances.

The court heard that on one day in 2018, Evennett invited the teen to the beach, and took him for a drive before buying him a McDonald’s.

Later, they went back to a home to watch films and it was there that Evennett raped him.

Following the incident, Evennett continued to send multiple messages to the victim, which put the teen under “intense pressure”.

In a statement, the now-adult victim branded Evennett a “monster” and said at the time of the rape, he had been struggling with his life and sexuality but that Evennett had “pretended to be concerned for me and my welfare”.

He said on the day of the rape offences, Evennett had been asking him “personal, uncomfortable questions”.

Following the rape, the victim struggled with school and dealt with flashbacks.

Speaking of the messages Evennett continued to send him, he said: “I was always being reminded by the monster who attacked me that he was still there.”

The statement added that when Evennett went to trial, it was the “darkest time” of the victim’s life, and he even contemplated suicide.

Judge Amanda Rippon said Evennett “took advantage of a desperately vulnerable young man who was confused about his sexuality”.

She said the rape had a “devastating impact” on the victim.

Evennett was jailed for 13 years and will be on the sex offender’s register for life.

A lifetime sexual harm prevention order was also imposed.