May 2023

Victim ‘overjoyed’ as Hull man who raped vulnerable boy is jailed

A remorseless rapist who targeted a vulnerable boy, causing the victim to suffer flashbacks and serious problems has been jailed

David Cherrington said that he was “severely sorry” for what he had done but the boy involved had refused to be “broken” by his ordeal and wanted to help others who had suffered sexual abuse, Hull Crown Court heard.

Cherrington, 38, of Holderness Road, east Hull, denied an offence of rape but he was convicted by a jury after a trial.

Louise Reevell, prosecuting, said that the victim had been left suffering flashbacks and these had continued. The trial had brought all his emotions back again.

“I didn’t think I would ever get justice for me,” said the victim. He had been “overjoyed” when he was told that Cherrington had been found guilty by the jury.

He wanted to use his experience to help others and was proud that he had not been “broken” by what happened to him. “I will continue to move forward with my life,” he said.

Judge Kate Rayfield said that the victim had suffered emotional consequences from the sexual abuse and he did not know at the time what Cherrington’s intentions were.

Cherrington overpowered and raped the victim. “He was extremely vulnerable at the time,” said Judge Rayfield. “You denied engaging in any sexual activity.” The victim had tried to “block out what happened” but the police were alerted.

“He was affected by the rape, upset and constantly suffering flashbacks and feeling angry,” said Judge Rayfield. The victim had been left struggling to trust anyone. Cherrington had no convictions before the offence was committed but he had others afterwards.

Judge Kate Rayfield said that the victim had suffered emotional consequences from the sexual abuse and he did not know at the time what Cherrington’s intentions were.

Cherrington overpowered and raped the victim. “He was extremely vulnerable at the time,” said Judge Rayfield. “You denied engaging in any sexual activity.” The victim had tried to “block out what happened” but the police were alerted.

“He was affected by the rape, upset and constantly suffering flashbacks and feeling angry,” said Judge Rayfield.

The victim had been left struggling to trust anyone. Cherrington had no convictions before the offence was committed but he had others afterwards.

Cherrington was sentenced to four years. He will have to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was given an indefinite restraining order