Drunken Darlington pervert groped teenager in his own bed

Aaron Thackray was found guilty of attacking the boy following a trial at Teesside Crown Court

The judge heard how the 34-year-old sexually assaulted the teenager when the defendant was in his late 20s and was significantly older than his victim.

In a heart-breaking victim impact statement, he said: “What he has done to me has left me very angry and sad. At the time of the offence, I was young and thought nobody would believe me.

“I had no choice but to bottle it up inside and try to cope with it – it has left me very confused and anxious. I became very sad and depressed.

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“I had nobody to turn to and it affected my behaviour in school which is now something I have learnt to regret as I now know how important my education was.

“Before he assaulted me, I was good at school and enjoyed it but after it I became a different person and could not find any answers as to why he chose me.

“I felt lonely for so many years and since going to the police I’m starting to realise that it wasn’t my fault and people have believed me.

“I still feel sad and depressed but I am pleased that he won’t be able to do it to anyone else.”

Aaron Thackray (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Thackray, of Outram Street, Darlington, was found guilty of sexual activity with a child following a trial.

Brian Russell, mitigating, said his client accepts that he was suffering with his own mental health issues adding that custody would have a significant impact on him.

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Recorder Jamie Hill KC sentenced Thackray to 27 months in prison for sexually assaulting the boy.

He said: “You were under the influence of alcohol at the time which is an explanation but clearly not an excuse.

“It took place in his own house where he is entitled to feel safe.”

Thackray was also made subject to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order and told to sign on the sex offenders’ register for the same period of time.