Sandra Gough found guilty after a three-day trial (From The Northern Echo)

Sandra Gough found guilty after a three-day trial

9:04am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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A FORMER pub landlady is facing a possible prison sentence for abusing a schoolgirl a decade ago.

Sandra Gough repeatedly touched and groped the youngster over a two-year period, a court heard.

Gough denied five charges of indecent assault, but was found guilty yesterday after a three-day trial.

The 37-year-old will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court after probation reports are prepared.

The ex-factory worker broke down in tears after the majority 10-2 verdicts were returned.

Gough, of Highcliffe Terrace, Ferryhill, County Durham, was given bail until her next appearance.

During the trial, the jury heard graphic descriptions of the abuse from the victim.

She told the court that Gough terrified her and that she dreaded finding herself alone with her.

The victim – now in her 20s – recalled how she was left in pain and bleeding after one incident.

The abuse stopped when Gough moved away to run a pub in Lincoln in 2001.

Years later, the girl told her mother what had happened, but did not reveal the true extent of the abuse.

In January last year, after the victim contacted the police, Gough was arrested.

In interview, she made “complete denials”, the jury was told, and said that the allegations were lies.

Giving evidence yesterday, Gough maintained that her arrest 14 months ago was “out-ofthe- blue”.

She said she could not explain why the girl would go to the police with a made-up story.

“I just don’t know where she is coming from,” she said.

Rosalind Scott Bell, prosecuting, said: “It happened exactly as she said, didn’t it?”

“No,” replied Gough.

“And your past is catching up with you,” said Mrs Scott Bell. Gough again replied “No.”

Gough denied leaving the region to dodge any accusations.

She said she moved following the death of her mother, and stayed in Lincoln because of a relationship.

The jury of seven men and five women took five-and-ahalf hours to find Gough guilty of all five charges.

Gough, who worked at pubs in County Durham and on Teesside, will be sentenced on April 21.