HERE are some of the rapists and sexual abusers who have faced justice at Teesside Crown Court so far this year.

The horrendous cases to be heard include a man who was found guilty of raping a boy when he himself was just a teenager and a couple who shared a sickening interest in child abuse images.

Wedding photographer

In February, a wedding photographer was jailed for four years for raping a young boy in the early 2000s.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was raped and sexually assaulted on two separate occasion when he was either aged between ten and 11 by Christopher Todd.

The Northern Echo: Christopher ToddChristopher Todd

During the week-long trial at Teesside Crown Court, the jury heard how the young boy was attacked while he was playing on a PlayStation in the Darlington home of the defendant, who was a teenager at the time.

The court heard how a shock meeting between the pair in Darlington's B&M in April 2019 brought back horrendous memories for the victim and he attacked Todd in the car park.

Todd, of Grangeside, Darlington, continued to deny any responsibility for his actions throughout the trial.

Judge James Brown said: “I find that he still lives with the impact of your behaviour all those years ago and I find the impact to be profound.”

Devastating impact

A PREVERT who systematically abused a young girl while he was a teenager has been jailed for four years.

Justice has finally caught up with Andrew Limon after he routinely sexually abused his victim during the early 90s.

His victim’s life has been blighted by the abuse she suffered as a child, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The Northern Echo: Andrew LimonAndrew Limon

Limon was found guilty of eight charges, including indecent assault by penetration, after maintaining his innocence throughout his trial.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “The offences have had a profound impact upon her health throughout her life which she is only just starting to come to terms with.”

The 41-year-old, of Staindale Road, Stockton, carried out the abuse of the young girl over a three year period.

Repeat offender

A PENSIONER who sexually assaulted a teenager is starting his second prison sentence for abusing young girls.

John Gregory fondled the teenager for 40 seconds while asking her if she minded and despite her protestations he continued with the assault, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 79-year-old initially denied carrying out the assault but on the day of his trial he relented and entered a guilty plea.

Gregory, of Regal Drive, Darlington, was jailed for six months after he pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Stephen Ashurst told Gregory that his previous conviction and the devastating impact his actions had on the teenager meant a custodial sentence was unavoidable.

"You were the adult here and you were in control but you lost control and did what you did," he said. "More than 40 years ago you were convicted of a serious sexual offence."

Judge Ashurst jailed him for six months and placed the defendant on the sex offenders' register for seven years.

Sickening attacks

A PENSIONER who repeatedly sexually abused a young girl has been jailed for five years.

Richard West 'disgraceful' assaults on the youngster only came to light when she plucked up the courage to tell people what was happening to her.

The 65-year-old pervert carried out a number of horrific sex acts on the child, Teesside Crown Court heard.

West, of Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual assault on a child under 13.

Judge Stephen Ashurst said: "You chose to behave in a disgraceful way towards that young girl. What you did was seriously deviant and happened on a number of occasions.

"It has left the victim distressed and traumatised by what happened to her."

The Northern Echo: Richard WestRichard West

West was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.

 

Darlington pervert

A RAPIST who videoed himself sexually assaulting his sleeping victim has been jailed for nine years.

Andrew Williams carried out a number of horrific sexual assaults on the woman after she had taken medication to help her sleep.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 39-year-old had videoed at least seven attacks on his victim after the disturbing footage was discovered on his mobile phone.

Williams, of Witton Crescent, Darlington, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, two charges of sexual assault and one charge of assault by penetration.

Judge Recorder Mark McKone jailed Williams for nine years for the five sexual offences.

The Northern Echo: Andrew WilliamsAndrew Williams

He said: "In her victim impact statement she explained how she couldn't sleep in her own bedroom, could barely sleep at all, she had nightmares, she would jump when other people were around and felt sick all of the time.

"These offences have clearly affected her mental health, which was already fragile."

The father-of-two was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order to keep him away from his victim.

Sickening duo

A WOMAN who sexually abused and photographed two young children to send to a convicted pervert has been jailed for six years.

Suzanne Kelly carried out the abhorrent abuse several years ago and her offending only came to light when the man she sent them to was arrested for possession of thousands of indecent images of children.

The Northern Echo: Suzanne KellySuzanne Kelly

Jay Perren was caught with a catalogued collection of more than 30,000 indecent images after police seized his mobile phone and an external hard drive when they raided his Stockton home.

Teesside Crown Court heard how there was no direct evidence that Perren had encouraged Kelly to supply him with the sex abuse images after they met while he was working as a DJ in a local pub.

The Northern Echo: Jay PerrenJay Perren

The court how Perren's home was raided in November last year after concerns about his internet use. In total officers recovered 3,417 Category A pictures and videos, the more serious offence; 2,331 Category B images; 18,339 Category C and 9,489 extreme pornography images.

Perren, of Hartington Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images, possession of extreme pornography, breaching his sexual harm prevention order and his notification requirement order.

Kelly, from Teesside, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual activity with a child, voyeurism, and making and distributing indecent indecent images of children.

Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Perren, 32, to four years and four months and Kelly to six years in custody.

He told Perren that his offending had been persistent and over a significant period of time with him actively taking steps to avoid detection and remained a threat to young children.

Turning to 40-year-old Kelly, the judge said: "The abuse, done to satisfy the sexual needs of Perren, are appalling and made worse by your sharing of those images with him."

Drunken deviant

A PERVERT who sexually assaulted a young girl on two occasions has been jailed for six years.

Stephen Johns targeted the victim and took advantage of her while he was heavily intoxicated, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 46-year-old also had a collection of extreme pornography videos stored on his phone, which was discovered by police following his arrest.

The Northern Echo: Stephen Johns

The victim told police about one incident when the defendant carried out a sexual assault when he thought she was asleep.

Johns, of Kingfisher Drive, Guisborough, pleaded guilty to sexual assault by penetration, sexual assault and possession of extreme pornography.

Judge Recorder Jamie Hill QC described Johns' actions as 'unfathomable' as he jailed him for six years.

He added: "You have lost your job, your reputation, your family, your home but of course that is all your fault."

Child rapist

A CHILD rapist has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated ‘cruel and appalling’ attacks on his very young victim.

Ricky Clench abused the young girl over a 13-month period when she was aged under 13.

The 41-year-old was found guilty of three offences of rape, five of sexual penetration and two of inciting her to engage in a sex act, following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Jurors heard how Clench carried out the vile attacks on at least three occasions during his victim’s ‘formative years’ and on occasion plied the victim with alcohol.

The Northern Echo: Ricky ClenchRicky Clench

Clench, formerly of Northallerton but now of Kennion Road, Harrogate, was found guilty of the offences which took place several years ago.

Judge Paul Watson QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, sentenced the defendant to 15-years in prison with an extended one-year licence period after his release.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been left traumatised by the abuse she suffered at the hands of Clench.

The judge told the defendant that he had engaged in a ‘pattern of abuse’ to target the young girl.

“You would on occasion use alcohol in order to try and get her to comply.

“You told her more than once not to tell anybody else, and I am quite satisfied, that bought her presents to ensure her silence,” he added.