Craig Raeburn

Craig Raeburn, aged 61 and of no fixed address, was convicted at Preston Crown Court of five child sex offences committed between 2014 and 2016. The offences involved the sexual abuse of a teenager whom Raeburn had groomed online. Originating from Scotland, Raeburn travelled to Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria to meet the victim, booking hotel rooms to carry out the assaults.

During the first encounter, Raeburn attempted to kiss the teenager and ordered them to undress before forcing them to perform an oral sex act. A second incident followed a similar pattern, with Raeburn again compelling the victim to engage in oral sex. On this occasion, the victim discovered Raeburn using his mobile phone to record the assault, demonstrating his lack of regard for the victim's well-being.

At the sentencing hearing on April 9, His Honour Judge Ian Unsworth KC addressed Raeburn directly, highlighting the offender's 'chilling lack of empathy'. The judge stated: 'You did not care about them, you just cared about yourself. I am sure you have caused severe psychological harm and you have shown no remorse at all.' The court heard a victim impact statement in which the teenager described the profound effects of the abuse, noting it had impacted them 'mentally and physically', leading to self-harm and nearly resulting in loss of life. Through therapy, the victim had begun to regain aspects of their life.

Raeburn was found guilty by a jury earlier in the year following a trial at Preston Crown Court. The investigating officer, Detective Constable Ash Elliot of Cumbria Police, described Raeburn as 'a predator' who was fully aware of the victim's age when committing the offences. Elliot emphasised the bravery of the victim in reporting the abuse years after it occurred and affirmed that Cumbria Police investigates all such reports thoroughly.

The case was prosecuted under UK law, with the offences classified as four counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity (non-penetration). Judge Unsworth commended the police for their diligent work in building the case, stating he would write to the Chief Constable to praise their efforts.