A MAN who raped and committed other sexual abuse on two schoolgirls while working as a farm labourer in the 1970s, was today given a 24-year prison sentence. 

It means that now 66-year-old John Regan must serve at least 12 years behind bars, his first prison sentence, before the Parole Board can consider if it is safe to allow his release. 

On his eventual release he will then be subject to scrutiny under an extended licence period of 14 years. 

The sentence was imposed by Judge Simon Hickey, at Durham Crown Court, where Regan was convicted of all 11 counts he faced at his trial, which ended on November 30. 

He denied four counts of rape, four of indecent assault and three of indecency with a child, all relating to girls aged between 10 and 14, committed in the early to mid-70s.

Some were said to be specific incidents, but others were “specimen” counts covering a series of similar offences.

On the sixth day of his trial, the jury returned unanimous ‘guilty’ verdicts on all the charges. 

Judge Hickey remanded Regan, of High Etherley, Bishop Auckland, in custody, pending preparation of a Probation Service background report on him, prior to today’s sentence hearing. 

But he told Regan, at the time: “The two complainants, who have borne this abuse for so long, gave clear evidence and the jury have found you guilty on it. 

“You’re now remanded in custody, but it will be a substantial sentence.” 
Both victims, each now in their 50s, were in court, but behind screens, at today's sentencing hearing.

The defendant was dealt with via video link from nearby Durham Prison, but only one screen was used in court, so he was unable to observe the victims, and they could not see him.

Judge Hickey read victim impact statements, provided by the women, prior to passing sentence. 

He told Regan: “They make for very sober and difficult reading and shows two lives drastically affected by the sexual abuse carried out at your hands.

“The first victim tried to run away from home, and, due to the drastic effect, she refers to trying to take her own life, and both women had to relive the experience.”

Judge Hickey said although Regan was of otherwise good character until his conviction, as the higher courts point out in sex cases, “it’s always open to the perpetrator to admit his ‘guilt’ many years earlier.”

The judge also referred to threats Regan made to one girl at the time to ensure nothing was reported.

“That young child did not speak out due to violence you threatened, namely that you would kill her and her parents.

“In my judgement, that’s why that young girl did not speak out for decades.”

Judge Hickey stated that even the second girl, although not threatened, said that Regan had told her not to say anything, as, it was to be, “our special secret”.

The sentences imposed, totalling 13 years for offences involving one victim and 11 with the other, were ordered to run consecutively with each other, by Judge Hickey, adding to the total 24 years.

Due to the extended licence period on Regan’s release, and given his age, by then, Judge Hickey said it was not necessary to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

But the defendant, a once respected gym club coach, will be subject to the barring list, preventing him ever working or carrying out a hobby involving him coming into contact with young people. 

He will also be subject to notification on the register of sex offenders, for life.

Commenting after the case, a spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), said: “The women who were abused by Regan have carried their secret for many years and have shown incredible bravery in coming forward and speaking out about the terrible abuse they suffered.

“Hopefully, now he has been sentenced for his crimes, his victims can begin to move forward with their lives.”

  • Children can contact Childline 24/7 via www.childline.org.uk, or by ringing 0800-1111, while adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline in confidence via help@nspcc.org.uk, or by ringing 0800-808 5000.