John Babic's attack on teenager caused terrible psychological damage, court hears

John Babic, 18, had just been put on intensive supervision for raping one youngster and sexually abusing two others when he contacted his latest victim over social media.

After he exchanged messages with the girl the 18-year-old, who was 16 at the time, arranged to meet up with her in West Swindon.

He then led her to a secluded area near Peatmoor Lagoon where he sexually assaulted her as she repeatedly told him 'no'.

Babic, who asked the court for anonymity, will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his days and abide by an order restricting his liberty when he gets out.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court he contacted the younger girl in August 2014 and they met.

Miss Squire said: "She became uncomfortable, she felt his demeanour and behaviour towards her was not so much violent but very forceful.

"Reluctant as she was, she went along with him. She was pulled along to Peatmoor."

The girl was worried that if she did not comply he would follow her home, and then know where she lived.

Once at Peatmoor Lake, despite her pleas and efforts to get away, Babic assaulted her.

Miss Squire said as far as the girl was concerned he was trying to rape her.

The girl then hid in bushes until she was sure he had gone before making her way home, not telling anyone in authority what had happened for months.

When he was questioned the defendant said that she was making it up because he wouldn't go out with her.

Babic, of The Rosary, Royal Wootton Bassett, initially pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and the case was listed for trial.

But before a jury could be sworn in, and after the girl turned up expecting to give evidence, he admitted what he had done.

Miss Squire said the that the victim had suffered terrible psychological damage from the incident and had contemplated taking an overdose.

As well as affecting how she feels about herself it also impacted on her exams meaning she did not do as well as she had hoped.

The court was told that in January 2014 Babic was put on the most serious community order the youth court can impose for raping one girl and sexually abusing two others.

Jane Rowley, defending, said that her client was only 16 at the time of the latest offence and should be treated accordingly.

She said his mum, who is a nurse and midwife, had sought help for him when he was 14 and felt the supervision under the court order for the rape was 'wishy washy'.

Since leaving school she said he had been working at a butcher and attended every session of the supervision and appreciated he had to behave differently.

"There is a concern Mr Babic continues to minimise his offending and continues to have little victim empathy," she said.

Although he has no psychiatric illness she said he suffered from a personality disorder which were akin to mental health issues.

Jailing him Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "What you did to her must have been an extremely terrifying experience for her even though I suppose she didn't know about your background.

"You inflicted a very serious sexual assault upon her. I am satisfied it was a sustained incident. I am satisfied it caused severe psychological harm to her.

"Having read her statement, she was so depressed at one point she was thinking of taking her own life."

He said he posed a risk to girls who were 'vulnerable from size or age' and presents a serious risk of significant harm in the future.

After her client was jailed Miss Rowley asked the judge to consider a gagging order to prevent her his name being reported.

But when she could not find a reason in law for an adult defendant, in an adult court, to have his name withheld her request was dismissed.