Clitheroe man (22) admits babysitter rape

Anthony Stinson (22) pleaded guilty to rape on the day he was due to stand trial at Preston Crown Court this week. He had previously denied the allegation.

It is understood his 17-year-old victim stayed over at the house with a friend after agreeing to look after the children.

During the course of the evening, Stinson came to visit the house and remained there drinking when the children’s parents returned home. In the early hours of the morning one of the teenagers, who was sleeping in the living room, woke to hear her friend screaming,

The victim ran out of the room and, when her friend followed her, she told her friend Stinson had attacked her.

The householder, who knew Stinson, asked him to leave the property.

Stinson was angry and swearing as he was thrown out of the house. He claimed he did not know why the girl was so upset.

The police were called but when Stinson was arrested he claimed the girl had consented to sex. However he changed his plea to guilty to rape after new evidence came to light.

Judge Jonathan Gison said a prison term was “inevitable” and ordered pre-sentence and psychiatric reports about Stinson before he is sentenced on March 24th.

In the meantime Stinson, of Derby Street, Clitheroe, was remanded in custody.

During the short hearing in Preston’s sessions house, Stinson spoke only to confirm his name and answer “guilty” to the charge of rape.