POLICE have expressed disappointment after a disgraced former council chairman who indecently assaulted a teenage boy was spared prison.

Peter McLaughlin, who sexually abused a 15-year-old while working as a coach driver in the early 1990s, was given a six-month prison term, suspended for two years.

McLaughlin, who led Stanley Town Council, in County Durham, has been put on the sex offenders’ register and made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order for seven years.

Detective Constable Bev Barnes, who led the investigation, said she was ‘disappointed’ the 62-year-old did not get a custodial sentence.

She said: "We were expecting a custodial sentence, but he has been given orders that will control his movements. It is good that he has got those.

“For the victim it was not about how long he got or whether it was custodial. It was about him being believed and the fact that he pleaded guilty.

“Justice has been done for him.”

Durham county councillor Carl Marshall, a former friend of McLaughlin, said anyone who abuses children should face jail.

He said: "It sounds as if he has got off very lightly."

McLaughlin, of Murray Park, Stanley, had been due to stand trial over 15 similar allegations of abusing the boy.

He had denied any wrongdoing during two previous trials at Carlisle Crown Court, but two months ago, on the first day of his third trial, he finally admitted twice indecently assaulting the boy.

Kim Whittlestone, prosecuting, said the two charges he admitted involved him kissing the boy.

In mitigation, the court heard he accepted responsibility for the two offences.

Judge Peter Hughes said he inappropriately touched the boy and he also kissed him inappropriately.

“That occurred when he was 15,” said the judge.

“It formed part of a developing relationship between you and him and a relationship that continued after he was 16.”

The judge added he took into account McLaughlin’s ‘good character’ and positive testimonials given to the court.

McLaughlin became heavily involved in charity and community work when he moved to Stanley from Carlisle.

He worked as a bus driver for Durham County Council and went on to become chairman of both Stanley Town Council and Stanley Area Action Partnership.

McLaughlin also stood unsuccessfully as a Labour candidate for Tanfield ward in a Durham County Council local election.

He resigned from the party after he was charged with the offences, but remained on the town council until after he entered guilty pleas in November.

Cllr Marshall said: “From a personal perspective anyone who abuses children in my eyes should face jail.

“Anyone who takes advantages of a position of trust with young people should be jailed.

“It is a shame he put his victim through two trials before admitting his guilt.

“He has lied and deceived many people.

“Hopefully, the town council can put this sorry episode behind them and move on.”

Last January, after McLaughlin had been charged, the town council voted against the introduction of criminal background checks for members.

It was an issue that divided the council and since then Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks have been introduced for councillors and staff.

Derek Shingleton, acting clerk of Stanley Town Council, said: “He no longer has anything to do with the council and the council has no comment to make on the sentence.

“While the offences took place years ago and there was no connection with the town council, we have taken steps to ensure all members and staff are DBS checked.”