THREE family members have gone on trial accused of helping a fourth previously charged with sex offences go on the run in order to avoid a trial.
George Burgon, Alison Connor and Christine Officer are said to have perverted the course of justice by helping Frank Burgon remain outside of the jurisdiction of the authorities.
All four deny perverting the course of justice between March 2, 2013, and January 13, 2014, and have gone on trial at Teesside Crown Court.
Frank Burgon, 79, of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, his 77-year-old brother George, of Field House Farm, Hartlepool, George Burgon’s daughter Alison Connor, 52, also of Field House Farm, and 63-year-old Christine Officer - Frank Burgon’s long-time partner – of Bruntoft Avenue, Hartlepool, were all bailed by Judge Simon Phillips.
A jury was sworn in by Judge Phillips and told it would be a short trial, which is expected to conclude this week.
The trial continues.
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