A Houghton rapist who subjected a child to years of sexual abuse has been jailed for nine years, after a court heard how he left his victim feeling “deeply unsafe and confused”.
Connor Morrison, 27, of Houghton‑le‑Spring, was convicted of 16 non‑recent child sexual offences, including two counts of rape, following a four‑day trial at Newcastle Crown Court. The abuse began when the victim was still a child and continued over time.
In a powerful statement read to the court, the victim said she did not realise what was happening was wrong and believed it was a “game”, before later understanding it was abuse that caused long‑lasting damage to her mental health. She said it left her unable to trust people and struggling for years with guilt and shame.
On December 8, Morrison was sentenced to nine years in prison. He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was handed a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his contact with children when he is eventually released.
Northumbria Police praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward, saying it showed others that it is never too late to report abuse and seek justice.