A MAN who sexually exploited a vulnerable teenager, treating her, “as a sex object”, is starting a 22-year prison sentence.

Ernest Short carried out the “bullying, repellent” attacks on the girl, including one when she was unwell, then told her he would commit suicide or commit other forms of self-harm if she were to report them.

Durham Crown Court heard the victim, who only felt strong enough to report the abuse in recent years, has suffered deep psychological trauma as a result, and has resorted to self-harm herself.

The 57-year-old defendant, of The Old Customs House, Borough Road, North Shields, denied the offences, all said to have taken place in County Durham, at a plea hearing at the court, in February.

He underwent a trial, which was delayed by two hospital visits on his part, in late September and was convicted by the jury on 13 counts, eight of rape and five of indecent assault, on October 4.

Sentence was adjourned to allow for preparation of background probation report on Short.

The victim was at court the sentencing and read her impact statement, in which she said the defendant had, “ruined” her life.

“He broke me and I have never seen myself as a normal person.”

She said she grew up thinking she was, “worthless” and has found it difficult forming relationships as an adult.

The court heard she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and is classed as having a borderline personality disorder.

But she added: “Since I came out and told police I feel I have pulled it out into the open from the back of my mind.”

Since then, though, she accused the defendant of stringing the case out, pleading not guilty and forcing her to give evidence, even delaying proceedings with his hospital visits.

But Shaun Routledge, representing the defendant, said those trips to hospital during the trial were for “genuine” reasons, for exploratory investigations.

“Clearly he’s not been in the best of health and has suffered his own mental health problems,” he added.

Imposing the 22-year sentence, Judge James Adkin told Short he would have to serve two-thirds of the jail term, more than 14 years, behind bars before being released on parole.

He said Short was guilty of “bullying, repellent” behaviour, describing his crimes as, “a litany of exploitative sexual offending”, adding: “You essentially treated her as a sexual object to use at your whim.”

Short will be subject of a restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and registration as a sex offender, all for life.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054