Convicted rapist goes back to jail

A CONVICTED rapist is starting another spell in prison after robbing a man celebrating his 18th birthday in Warrington town centre.
Stephen Garton, 27, was sentenced to two years in prison at Warrington Crown Court after pleading guilty to robbing Stuart Smith of his mobile phone and £40 cash as he lay helpless on the ground.
David Jones, prosecuting, said Garton approached the victim in the early hours of the morning and asked him to give another man some money because he was homeless.
When Mr Smith walked away, saying he had no change, Garton followed him, kicked him repeatedly in the stomach and knocked him to the ground.
Garton then searched the victim’s pockets and made off with the phone, worth £150 and £40 cash.
The court heard Garton had previously been convicted in 2001 for rape and assault causing actual bodily harm on a prostitute.
Robert Golinski, defending, said Garton had shown sincere remorse since the incident. He didn’t seek to minimise his actions but was now ready to make drastic changes in his life.
Judge Thomas Teague told the defendant: “This was a very nasty offence. This young man was celebrating his birthday and it will be one he will remember for the rest of his life, but not for the reasons most people remember their 18th birthday for. He has suffered continuing psychological traumas since the incident.”