A teenage rapist who subjected a woman to a horrific attack in a Birmingham park offered a shocking justification to detectives, claiming his age meant he couldn't be considered "a monster". Jayden Hudd, now 19, has been handed a substantial prison sentence for the brutal assault that left his victim traumatised.
The Night of the Attack
In October 2022, Hudd approached his victim as she walked through Lightwoods Park in Bearwood. What began as conversation quickly turned violent when the teenager dragged the woman into bushes and subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault.
The court heard how Hudd showed complete disregard for his victim's desperate pleas to stop, continuing the attack despite her obvious distress and terror.
Chilling Police Interview Revelation
During police questioning, Hudd made the astonishing claim that being a teenager somehow excused his behaviour. "I'm not a monster, I'm just a teenager," he told West Midlands Police detectives, displaying a complete lack of understanding about the gravity of his actions.
This attempt to minimise his responsibility for the violent crime was described by prosecutors as "breathtaking in its arrogance and ignorance".
Justice Served
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Hudd, formerly of Sandon Road in Edgbaston, was sentenced to nine years in prison with an extended licence period of five years. The judge emphasised the severity of the attack and the lasting impact on the victim.
Detective Constable Tanya Pask, from West Midlands Police, stated: "This was a terrifying attack on a woman who was simply going about her business. Hudd's attempts to justify his actions were as pathetic as they were offensive."
Victim's Ongoing Trauma
The court heard a powerful victim impact statement describing how the attack has fundamentally changed the woman's life. She continues to suffer from severe psychological trauma, anxiety, and has been unable to return to work since the assault.
Police have praised the victim's bravery throughout the investigation and court process, noting that her evidence was crucial in securing the conviction.
Community Response
The case has raised serious questions about youth violence and sexual offences in the Birmingham area. Local authorities are urging anyone with concerns about similar behaviour to come forward, emphasising that age is never an excuse for criminal conduct.
Support services for victims of sexual violence are available throughout the West Midlands, with police encouraging survivors to report offences knowing they will be taken seriously and supported throughout the process.
