A RAPIST is starting an eightyear jail sentence for a catalogue of sickening sex attacks on a young boy.

Shaun Hills must also serve a six-year period on licence on release after a judge deemed him a significant risk to children.

Hills, of Headlam Road, Darlington, denied abusing the youngster, but was found guilty of 15 charges after a trial at Teesside Crown Court in September.

The court heard he now accepts some of the allegations, but still refuses to admit some of the more serious matters.

Reports from psychiatrists and a probation officer concluded the 21-year-old was a high risk to children, and he came close to being jailed indefinitely.

Judge Tony Briggs said his recent acceptance of some wrongdoing had saved him from imprisonment for public protection.

In a letter to the court, Hills apologised to his victim and said he was sorry for what happened and the ordeals he had endured since.

The boy was forced to give evidence during the trial, and Judge Briggs said: “The jury clearly found him as impressive a witness as I did.”

The attacks began when Hills was ten and only ended when his younger victim realised the abuse was wrong after a sex education class at school. When it was going on, Hills told him it was normal behaviour.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said the boy was still haunted by what had happened to him.

Judge Briggs told Hills: “It is perfectly plain when the offending started he just did as he was told... you were manipulative and dominant and just used him as and when. It is as serious as it can get.

“You lack the mitigation of a guilty plea, and even now you are only partly admitting minor sexual activity.

“It is a matter for you to take such help as is offered. If you do, you can look forward to some sort of future. If you do not, it is more misery.”

Hills was convicted of every charge he faced – ten specimen counts of rape, four of indecent assault of a child and one of indecency with a child.

His barrister, Dan Cordey, said: “The court can have the hope for the future that he is somebody who can mature and come to terms with what he has done.”