Mum raped by son's best friend after she invited him in for tea and a chat

A mum has told how her life was almost completely ruined after she was raped by her son’s former best friend.

Carlyn Thompson, who has waived her right to anonymity, had known Gregory Houslin since he was 14.

But in 2005, Houslin, then 23, visited Carlyn and raped her after she made him a cup of tea.


Years passed, and in 2002, Carlyn’s sons moved out after finishing school.

Houslin remained friendly with Carlyn, visiting her twice a year.

On the day of the attack, Carlyn let him in for a cup of tea and they chatted about work and family.

She said: “I realised it was late and I told Gregory I should get some sleep.

“I opened the front door, expecting him to leave, but he told me he wasn’t going anywhere.”