A CONVICTED child sex offender was warned he is facing a “significant sentence” after he was convicted for abusing eight people - all from the same village.

The warning was given by Judge Simon Hickey following the trial of John Jeffrey Mawson, at Durham Crown Court.

He told Mawson he must also consider whether he should be classed as a dangerous offender, in which case an indeterminate or extended sentence could be imposed to protect the public.

The 54-year-old lorry driver, of Park Tower, Park Road, Hartlepool, denied a 22-count indictment, relating to eight victims, when he appeared at a plea hearing in January.

Due to his denials, the victims were required to either give evidence in person or via video link at his trial.

The court heard all the complainants - six women and two men - lived in the same County Durham community at the times of the offending.

Most were underage when the incidents took place, but some of the offending was said to have continued after their 16th birthdays.

The offences, two of rape, one of attempted rape, 14 of indecent assault, including two on males, and five of indecency with a child, were said to have taken place between the mid-1970s and 2001.

Although complaints were made locally about 2001, it was only in 2014 that some of the victims went to the police.

Mawson denied all the charges saying he could not understand why they had been brought.

But, on the eighth day of his trial the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all 22 charges.

Judge Hickey agreed to a request by the defendant’s barrister, David Lamb, to adjourn sentence to allow for the preparation of a background report on Mawson by the Probation Service.

But he said he did not consider any need for a psychiatric report.

Remanding Mawson in custody, Judge Hickey told him: “You have been convicted, in my judgement, as the jury has found, on the clear evidence of eight victims.

“Those victims’ lives have been completely ruined by what you did to them when they were smaller.

“One matter to be considered at sentence is whether or not you are to be classed as a danger to the public.

“You must be aware that for these offences, a significant sentence awaits.”

Judge Hickey remanded Mawson, now 55, in custody, prior to sentence at the court on Friday May 27.