Overview

• A Teesside jury in August found Ciara Watkin guilty of two sexual assaults and one sexual assault by penetration after about 75 minutes of deliberation.
• Recorder Peter Makepeace KC ordered she serve half of a 21-month term before release on licence, sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, and comply with an indefinite restraining order.
• Prosecutors said she met the 18-year-old on Snapchat, used a female avatar, padded a bra, claimed to be “on my period,” prevented touching below the waist, and later disclosed “I’m trans” by text.
• The judge said she deceived the complainant, noted a lack of remorse and attempts to blame the victim, and criticised coverage that mocked the victim’s account; the receiving prison will apply special measures for her custody.
• CPS North East said the non-disclosure meant the man could not give informed consent, with the victim stating he would never have agreed and describing serious emotional harm; Watkin has said she intends to challenge the prosecution.