Man jailed for Jersey rape

Paul Kearns admitted the rape at New North Quay

A man has been jailed for two years by Jersey's Royal Court for raping a 16-year-old girl.

Paul Ross Kearns, 22, admitted raping the teenager at the New North Quay in September.

The Royal Court heard both Mr Kearns and his victim were drunk and she had approached him while he waited for a bus at Liberation Square.

Crown Advocate Julian Gollop, prosecuting, said the victim had suffered serious emotional problems since the rape.

In Mr Kearns' defence, Advocate William Grace said the offence had come in the heat of the moment and was not planned.

In sentencing, the Court's Commissioner, Francis Hamon, said while he had no sympathy for Mr Kearns, there was mitigation because he had co-operated with investigators and had been approached by the girl.