Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Date Not Specified 35 cases

Matthew Reece Howe

Robbery *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

Howe robbed the same Penny On The Move forecourt in Barnard Castle, County Durham twice in a week, on 30 March and 3 April. He brandished a large knife, taking £370 in cash and £60 in tobacco. Staff were left shaken. He was arrested after a police officer recognised his shoes from CCTV footage.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery. Had five convictions for nine previous offences. Told court he felt ashamed and disgusted. Sentence reduced from five years due to guilty plea. The court heard he has ADHD and turned to drink and drugs after a friend's death. He had weaned off drugs on remand and had a job lined up for release.

1 Jan 0001

Merlin Towers

Rape of a child *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Merlin Towers, of Harringay Crescent, Darlington, was found guilty of four counts of rape of a child following a trial at Teesside Crown Court. The offences took place when Towers was himself a child, and the victim disclosed the attacks several years later. The judge imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, noting there were no threats and the defendant was of otherwise good character.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted on four counts. Mitigation argued behaviour may have begun as 'sexual experimentation' by a young person. Judge sentenced him as the age he was when the crimes were committed. Additionally ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work, attend 30 rehabilitation sessions, and subject to sex offender notification requirements for 10 years.

1 Jan 0001

Jeremy Richard Allington-Smith

Voyeurism and indecent images of children *

Sentence

3-year community supervision order

Dr Jeremy Richard Allington-Smith, a 59-year-old former astrophysicist at Durham University, secretly filmed hundreds of women in public and under doors, outraging public decency and committing voyeurism. A student found a brown envelope containing hand-drawn sketches of child sexual abuse, leading to a police investigation. Thousands of indecent images of children were found on his devices, along with further sketches and a paedophile manual featuring over 4,000 of his own drawings. He admitted the drawings for sexual gratification, attributing his behaviour to medication for Parkinson's disease.

Judge Christopher Prince stated the offences crossed the custody threshold but imposed an exceptional non-custodial sentence due to medical circumstances. Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further notice and sex offender registration for five years also imposed.

1 Jan 0001

John Paul Williamson

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

John Paul Williamson, a 28-year-old man from Durham, engaged in sexualised online communications with police decoys posing as underage girls and possessed indecent images of children and extreme pornography. In late March 2022, he contacted a decoy 'Holly' posing as a 12-year-old girl on a chat app, introduced himself as a 26-year-old, steered conversation to sexual topics, requested images, and sent explicit photos. He was arrested in April 2022, released under investigation, but then committed similar offences with three other decoys posing as 13-year-old girls, suggesting sexual activities and soliciting photos. Police found 71 indecent images of children, including the most serious category depicting children as young as five, and two extreme pornographic images involving bestiality. He was re-arrested in January 2023. In interview, he denied use of the app and blamed a non-existent cousin. He pleaded guilty to all charges and received a three-year prison sentence.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, three counts of possessing indecent images of a child, and two counts of possession of extreme pornography. Requested 20 further charges be taken into consideration. Judge Geoffrey Marson described the offences as 'a catalogue of persistent and serious offending'. Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender registration imposed.

1 Jan 0001

John Stubbins

Sexual exploitation *

Sentence

2 years and 2 months imprisonment

John Stubbins, a 44-year-old primary school head teacher from Gateshead, admitted two counts of sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old girl who was not a pupil. Between February and March 2017, he exchanged thousands of messages with the victim, persuading her to send intimate pictures. He also possessed category B and C indecent images of the teenager. The victim suffered severe emotional and academic effects, losing trust in teachers and developing mood swings.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation and possessing indecent images of a 16-year-old girl. Judge Jonathan Carroll said he abused his position of trust. Ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

1 Jan 0001

Jack Whitfield-Gash

Failing to comply with notification requirements and SHPO *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Registered sex offender released from Durham Prison on 18 January 2022 failed to notify police of his living arrangements at a home with a woman who has a young daughter. He chatted with two underage teenage girls at a bus stop in Durham, admitting he was stoned, exchanged phone numbers with one and received a message from her. Phone seized on 28 February 2022 after leaving an address.

Admitted two offences of failing to comply with notification requirements and three of failing to comply with a SHPO. Has 30 convictions for 50 offences, including 13 sex-related and 11 previous breaches of notification requirements. Judge Ray Singh noted deliberate, persistent breaches and rejected claims of triviality. Mitigation cited homelessness.

1 Jan 0001

James Loades

Attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming *

Sentence

5 years and 4 months imprisonment with extended licence period of 3 years

James Loades, 31, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, travelled from Northamptonshire to Durham Railway Station on March 2 expecting to meet a 14-year-old girl for a planned sexual encounter, messaging her about a kiss, cuddle, and asking if she was a virgin. The 'girl' was a decoy profile set up by a woman. He was arrested at the station. This occurred less than three weeks after his release on February 11 from a previous 14-month sentence for attempted sexual communication with a child, while subject to a SHPO forbidding contact with underage children. He also chatted with decoy profiles of girls aged 13 and 14, sending sexual images, asking for sex acts, and offering hotel stays.

Admitted four breaches of a SHPO, three counts each of attempting to cause/incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, plus a single count of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming. Judge James Adkin noted significant risk of committing further specified sexual offences and imposed sentence due to risk of serious harm to children. Prior 14-month prison sentence for attempted sexual communication with a child. Required to register as sex offender and SHPO restrictions continue for life.

1 Jan 0001

Joseph Lee

Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence *

Sentence

four-year prison sentence

Joseph Lee, 46, from Durham, attempted to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sex at Framwellgate Moor on April 26, 2022, but was arrested in a police sting operation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and Durham Constabulary's Online Child Abuse Investigator Team. He refused to comment during police interview.

Did not plead guilty but was convicted after trial. Also received a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

1 Jan 0001

Joshua Bate

Inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

extended 40-month prison sentence

Joshua Bate, released from prison on New Year's Eve and invited to stay at a woman's home in County Durham, sent messages from a phone registered as 'Lily' to her 12-year-old daughter on the first night of January 3, inviting her to snuggle under the covers face to face, asking if his hands could wander and if they could kiss on the lips, telling her it was their secret and to come only if her sisters were asleep. The girl called Bate a paedo, blocked the messages and informed her mother, who contacted police and confronted Bate, leading to arrest. Bate admitted the messages were sexually motivated.

Admitted inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Poses significant risk of serious offending per Judge Ray Singh. Must serve two-thirds before parole eligibility. Five years extended licence on release. Lifetime restraining order relating to the girl, indefinite registration as a sex offender, indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

1 Jan 0001

Keith Fagan

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

2 years 4 months imprisonment

Keith Fagan, a 68-year-old former casino boss from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, used aliases 'Mike Green' and 'English Guy North East' on social media and dating sites without informing his offender manager, breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He contacted a decoy profile of a 13-year-old girl named 'Lottie', operated by the online child protection group COEP, complimented her as 'gorgeous, sexy and attractive', and asked intimate questions. In a separate incident, he contacted another decoy, 'Violet Barclay', urged her to perform a sex act on herself, and sent an explicit image. COEP reported him to a Scottish child protection team, who confronted him at his home on Bridge Street, Bishop Auckland, on 5 November 2023. Durham Constabulary arrested him and found a hidden laptop, which forensic analysis later confirmed. Fagan, already on the sex offender register indefinitely since 2014, admitted the charges in November 2023 and was remanded at HMP Holme House. The court heard he had previously received a three-year sentence for inciting sexual activity with under-16s and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Pleaded guilty to six charges: attempted sexual communication with a child, attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity, and four breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Two previous convictions for similar offences, including a three-year prison sentence in 2014. Judge Nathan Adams highlighted deliberate breaches and prior imprisonment. Defence barrister cited isolation and mental health issues. Sentenced to 28 months' custody, to serve half on licence, with laptop forfeited.

1 Jan 0001

Jonathan Frost

Breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment

Jonathan Frost, a 43-year-old convicted sex offender from Ferryhill, County Durham, was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed in September 2021 after convictions for attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child after grooming. Police monitoring software detected unauthorised applications on his phone, and on 15 December 2023 they visited his home. He had installed Zangi, Plamfly, and Buzzcast — apps of a sexual nature — and had deleted a photo of his private parts. He admitted to deleting the apps when he saw the police. In court, he pleaded guilty to four breaches, which the prosecution described as 'very serious, persistent and deliberate breaches'.

Pleaded guilty to four breaches of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The breaches involved installing prohibited apps (Zangi, Plamfly, Buzzcast) and deleting an image of his private parts. The judge imposed a 12-month sentence for the latest breaches and activated an additional eight months from a suspended sentence imposed in June 2024. Prior breach involving Snapchat was noted. Defence highlighted his learning disabilities and supportive family.

1 Jan 0001

Dale Edwards

Sexual assault of a child under 13 and child cruelty *

Sentence

10 years and six months imprisonment with an extended licence period of 12 months

Dale Edwards, of Wheatley Hill, County Durham, forced children to consume cannabis by smoking, eating, or blowing it in their faces over a few weeks during the first COVID lockdown in 2020. He made threats to prevent disclosure. He sexually assaulted a 10-year-old child, infecting them with chlamydia, confirmed by medical tests. Offences came to light after a child disclosed cannabis use to a parent, leading to police involvement and specialist interviews.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 13 two days into trial, and three counts of child cruelty. 16 previous convictions for 35 offences including theft, criminal damage, robbery, and attempted burglary. No prior sexual convictions. Defence noted mental health issues, bipolar, vulnerability, self-harm, and apology to victims. Judge Recorder Thomas Moran commented on extraordinary behaviour of making children consume cannabis and the added distress from chlamydia infection.

1 Jan 0001

Daniel Marrinan

Shop theft *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment

Daniel Marrinan stole nearly £1,000 worth of goods, mainly meat, from a Sainsbury's in Horden over two weeks between April 25 and May 12. He committed 14 shop theft offences, repeatedly leaving the store without paying despite being challenged by staff.

Pleaded guilty to 14 shop theft offences. Lengthy criminal record and in breach of a suspended sentence. Struggled with severe drug addiction.

1 Jan 0001

Colin White

Indecent assault *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Colin White, a 60-year-old former postman from Newton Aycliffe, groomed and indecently assaulted a teenage girl in the early 2000s. He provided her with alcohol and cigarettes, then sexually abused her. The abuse caused the victim long-term depression and guilt. He was convicted after trial of two counts of indecent assault.

Convicted after trial. Placed on sex offenders register for life and given indefinite restraining order.

1 Jan 0001

Connor Ellison

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Connor Ellison, from the Horden area of County Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court and admitted a charge of possessing cocaine with intent to supply. He is already serving a 13-year sentence imposed in 2023 for his role in a violent feud between rival drugs gangs. The judge imposed an additional two-year prison term for the new offence, to run concurrently with the existing sentence, meaning it does not extend his overall time in custody.

Pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Sentence to run concurrently with existing 13-year term for gang-related offending.

1 Jan 0001

Christopher Rome

Grooming and sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

64 months imprisonment

Christopher Rome, a 28-year-old wrestling coach from South Shields, groomed and sexually abused a young child over a few weeks in County Durham. The offences included sexual communication, grooming, and multiple counts of sexual activity. After initial contact, he met the victim in a car park where they cuddled while watching videos. He sent intimate photographs, and the victim reciprocated. Subsequent encounters involved kissing, cuddling, and ultimately sexual intercourse. The victim became isolated and obsessive, according to her family, and later confided in her mother. She described feeling under Rome's 'spell', leading to lost friendships, anxiety, diminished confidence, and embarrassment. Rome admitted the offences to police and in court, expressing remorse.

Made full admissions, expressed remorse. Issued with a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a ten-year restraining order, lifetime sex offender registration, and a lifetime ban from working with or supervising children. Judge remarked: 'You may say it was consensual, but she was a child, and you were an adult. The effect it has had on her has been substantial.'

1 Jan 0001

Ciara Watkin

Sexual assault *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment

Ciara Watkin met the victim on Snapchat using a female cartoon profile picture, claiming to be on her period and wearing a stuffed bra. Watkin performed sex acts on the victim, who later said he would not have consented had he known Watkin was a biological male. Watkin blocked the victim on social media, later texted about a 'big secret'. The victim reported to police. Watkin was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault.

Found guilty after trial. Judge slammed victim blaming and lack of remorse.

1 Jan 0001

Christopher Barfe

Sexual assault and controlling and coercive behaviour *

Sentence

56 months' imprisonment

Christopher Barfe subjected his ex-partner to two years of controlling behaviour including checking her phone, setting up fake accounts, accusations of infidelity, assaults involving hair pulling, kicking, strangulation, threats to chop her up and with a gun he owned, causing injuries like a blackened eye and cuts to the head; she moved house due to trauma and flashbacks. In a separate case, committed sexual offences while drunk against an underage girl involving inappropriate kissing and performing a sex act in her presence.

Admitted three charges of assault against ex-partner and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour; convicted after trial of two counts of sexual assault and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Subject to Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification for 10 years; restraining orders prohibiting contact with victims for 10 years. Judge described him as a bully.

1 Jan 0001

Alan Badley

Assault causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

During a four-month relationship in the North East, Badley repeatedly beat a former partner, assaulted her causing actual bodily harm, carried out harassment with violence, threatened to slit her throat, and persuaded her to have her pet dog put down.

Offences included breach of notification requirements, assault causing actual bodily harm, and harassment with violence. One of four previous breaches of notification requirements.

1 Jan 0001

Aaron Paul Reece Whitwell

Sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

33 months imprisonment

In December 2020, Aaron Paul Reece Whitwell, then aged 22, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court for an offence involving a 14-year-old girl. He had deceived the victim by saying he was 17 years old.

Deceived the victim by claiming to be 17 years old. Offence involved a 14-year-old girl.

1 Jan 0001

Adrian Wood

Attempted sexual assault *

Sentence

18-month community order

Adrian Wood, of Montalbo Road, Barnard Castle, had been drinking all day and was high on cocaine when he exposed himself to a woman in the ladies’ toilet of a local pub in December last year. He followed the victim into the female toilets, entered a cubicle with his trousers and underpants down, and approached her to grab her before she fled. He had little memory of the incident. The victim lost confidence in going out at night. Wood had been issued with a caution the day after for possession of a class A substance.

Pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure. Also ordered to attend six months of alcohol rehabilitation, provide details to police within three days, report to Probation Services for 20 days, and subject to a five-year restraining order. Failure to comply could lead to six months in prison.

1 Jan 0001

Brian O'neil

Rape *

Sentence

21-year extended determinate sentence with minimum 14 years before parole eligibility and 5 years extended licence

Brian O'Neil, formerly of Wharton Street, Coundon, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, sexually abused girls over three decades, often filming his activities. Offending had traumatic effects on victims, including self-harming and suicide attempts.

Admitted rape plus 20 other mainly sexual offences and voyeurism. Convicted on 10 further counts after trial. Branded a dangerous offender by Judge Ray Singh. Remain on sex offenders register indefinitely.

1 Jan 0001

Benjamin English

Rape *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Benjamin English, formerly known as Steven Watts, was a convicted paedophile and former Army Cadet leader. In 2022, one of the original victims from his 2007 case, who had suffered years of trauma from abuse and rape at English's hands, came forward with additional details of the full extent of the rape. English, aged 58 and residing in Middlesbrough, denied the charge but was found guilty following a trial at Durham Crown Court. The rape had occurred historically as part of a catalogue of sexual abuse. The safeguarding detective highlighted the sickening abuse of trust that had impacted the victim's wellbeing for over a decade.

Pleaded not guilty to rape, convicted by jury. Described by the investigating detective as 'a predator and a danger to children'. Had multiple prior convictions for sexual offences including a 12-month suspended sentence, an indefinite sentence, and a 5-year prison term.

1 Jan 0001

Jack Dent-Bradley

Sexual assault of a child *

Sentence

66 months imprisonment

Jack Dent-Bradley, 19, from Witton Gilbert, County Durham, was sentenced to 66 months imprisonment at Durham Crown Court for sexual assault of a child. The offences occurred when he was aged 10 to 14, targeting a vulnerable victim. A trial heard that the abuse was extremely cruel, persistent and damaging, leaving the victim with PTSD and depression. The investigation by Durham Police revealed that the father, Michael Dent, separately abused the same child. Dent-Bradley's custodial sentence aims to address his actions and support rehabilitation.

Convicted after trial. Judge James Adkin described the abuse as 'extremely cruel, persistent and damaging'. The victim suffered from PTSD and depression. The offences were separate but related to those committed by his father, Michael Dent.

1 Jan 0001

Dushmanta Kara

Arranging or facilitating a child sex offence *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Dushmanta Kara, a former Durham University academic originally from India, used the Grindr app to contact a profile operated by an undercover Durham Constabulary officer posing as a 14-year-old boy. Despite being told the 'boy' was 14, Kara exchanged explicit messages and arranged to meet for sexual activity. He was arrested on 25 April 2023 upon arrival at the rendezvous point in Gilesgate, Durham. He pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. The judge noted updated sentencing guidelines with a starting point of five years, but reduced the sentence due to mitigating factors including guilty pleas, previous good character, and academic reputation.

Pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. Sentence reduced from 40 months due to guilty pleas. 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite sex offender registration. Deportation after serving 15 months.

1 Jan 0001

George Granville Gibson

Indecent assault *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment

A retired archdeacon from County Durham, George Granville Gibson, was convicted of twice indecently assaulting a teenage boy in the 1970s. The assaults involved Gibson rubbing himself against the victim in a church hall and at a party, leaving the victim feeling embarrassed and humiliated. The victim came forward after seeing media reports of Gibson's first trial in 2016. Gibson had previous convictions for similar historical offences.

Denied the charges but found guilty. Previous convictions for indecent assault in 2016 (12 months) and 2019 (10 months). Judge James Adkin noted abuse of trust and described Gibson as a 'hubristic sex offender in a position of authority'.

1 Jan 0001

Craig Chittenden

Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Craig Chittenden, 33, of Willington, County Durham, persuaded a woman in the US to abuse her daughter while he watched via online messages. He was alerted to UK police by FBI after exchanging messages discussing kidnapping, rape and murder of a young child and sharing 24 indecent images. Police found almost 1,000 indecent images, over four hours of video footage and extreme animal pornography at his home. He arranged a visit to the south of England to abuse a child but was snared by an undercover officer.

Pleaded guilty to seven sex offences including arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sexual offence, inciting the sexual exploitation of a girl under 13, possessing extreme pornography, distributing indecent photographs and three counts of making indecent photographs. Judge Ray Singh described him as emotionless, detached and a dangerous offender.

1 Jan 0001

Craig Elliott

Sexual assault by touching *

Sentence

40 months imprisonment

Craig Elliott was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault by touching a girl under 13. Both offences took place in early October 2021 at West Crescent, Easington Colliery, County Durham.

Convicted in absence on two counts after trial. Pleaded not guilty. Subject to indefinite sex offender registration. Bench warrant issued for arrest. Crown to seek Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order upon arrest.

1 Jan 0001

Darren John Wood

Sexual assault *

Sentence

25-year extended determinate sentence

Darren John Wood, of Saxon Green, Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, subjected two boys to prolonged sexual abuse including a total of 14 serious sexual assaults such as oral and anal rapes while heavily intoxicated. The abuse caused lasting trauma, self-harm, and addiction issues for the victims.

Convicted by jury after trial on 14 counts of serious sexual assaults including oral and anal rapes. Denied offences. No previous convictions of this nature. Judge noted catalogue of depravity, significant victim impact, and risk of further serious offences. Also subject to lifetime sex offender registration, Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and restraining orders.

1 Jan 0001

Darren Thompson

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

14-month prison sentence

Darren Thompson, of Dorset Crescent, Moorside, Consett, accessed an adult internet chat site on his mobile phone on January 13. He engaged in chat with an undercover police officer posing as a 12-year-old girl, moved to Snapchat, received an image of a 12-year-old, and sent intimate images of himself, including one after performing a sex act. He deleted the account, breaching his indefinite SHPO which prohibited deleting internet history.

Admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a SHPO. Judge James Adkin noted he seems unable to prevent himself from behaving in this way. Existing SHPO remains in place. Subject to registration as a sex offender for life. Previous suspended sentence for similar offending in 2016.

1 Jan 0001

Darren Wilkinson

Rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

In July 2024, Darren Wilkinson entered the back garden of a woman who had fallen asleep on a lounger after taking wine and sleep medication. He sexually touched her then raped her while she remained unconscious. CCTV captured the entire incident. After the victim became suspicious and confronted him, Wilkinson removed the CCTV hard drive and hid it in his garage. A neighbour alerted police, who recovered the drive and retrieved the footage. Wilkinson claimed the acts were consensual. A jury convicted him of rape and sexual assault. He also admitted criminal damage at the victim's home.

Pleaded not guilty; convicted by jury. Also admitted causing criminal damage. Registered as a sex offender indefinitely; 10-year restraining order imposed. Judge Nathan Adams presided.

1 Jan 0001

Dave Hirchfield

Meeting a child following sexual grooming *

Sentence

26-month sentence in a young offenders institution

Dave Hirchfield, of St Elizabeth Close, Sheffield, spent months grooming an underage girl online. Despite being blocked by the girl's mother, he resumed communication and arranged to meet her in County Durham on February 9, 2022. He travelled from Sheffield, kissed her, touched her sexually, and performed a sex act on himself in her presence. He planned for her to stay overnight with him in Sheffield.

Admitted engaging in sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and sexual assault. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and registration as a sex offender, both for ten years. Of previous good character with a difficult upbringing. Judge noted concerted attempts to meet the girl despite being blocked.

1 Jan 0001

David Ian Wales

Voyeurism, making indecent photographs of a child, and burglary *

Sentence

34 months imprisonment

David Ian Wales, 45, of Sherburn Road, Durham, placed secret cameras in toilets to record women and children. A search of his home uncovered more than 11,000 images and videos, including indecent footage of children. He set up cameras in various toilets, leading to charges of two counts of voyeurism and two counts of attempting to observe a person doing a private act. Wales also committed multiple burglaries at student accommodations, stealing iPads, mobile phones, cameras, and women's underwear. The investigation was carried out by Durham Constabulary and led by Detective Constable Georgina Lewis.

Pleaded guilty to voyeurism, attempting to observe a person doing a private act, making indecent photographs of a child, and multiple burglaries targeting student properties.

1 Jan 0001

David Mills

Breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Failure to Comply with Notification Requirements *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months

David Mills, a 45-year-old convicted sex offender, used the alias 'Durham Man' to access the Telegram messaging platform without approval from his risk manager, in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He deleted his internet history to conceal the activity. Police discovered the breach on 5 January 2024, leading to his arrest. He had previously been convicted in April 2022 of attempting sexual communication with a child, for which he received a 20-month prison sentence and was made subject to the SHPO and notification requirements. The court heard that there was no evidence of contact with children in this instance.

Pleaded guilty to four breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and one count of failing to comply with notification requirements. Had prior convictions for similar offences. Judge described the decision as a 'stark choice' and imposed a suspended sentence with programme and rehabilitation requirements.

1 Jan 0001

David Simpson

Rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

26 years extended sentence (22 years immediate custodial prison term, 4 years extended supervisory license)

In February 2020, David Simpson, then 46, of Queensway, Consett, County Durham, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court. An investigation by Durham Constabulary established that Simpson subjected multiple women to a predatory campaign of sexual violence. He was convicted of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Despite overwhelming evidence of his guilt, Simpson forced his victims to endure a full criminal trial. The prosecution proved that his offences were driven by a warped sense of consent and a lack of insight into the psychological devastation he inflicted. Psychiatric assessments highlighted his persistent refusal to accept blame or display genuine remorse. Judge James Adkin imposed an extended determinate sentence of 26 years, comprising a 22-year custodial term and an additional 4 years on extended supervisory license. Simpson must serve at least two-thirds of the 22-year term before being considered for parole.

Following a four-day trial, a unanimous jury found him guilty of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Simpson denied all charges. Judge James Adkin noted that Simpson harboured a deeply ingrained and highly dangerous attitude toward women, rendering him a maximum risk to the public. Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

1 Jan 0001

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About Durham Crown Court

Durham Crown Court is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 185 sentencing records in our database, it processes cases heard before a judge and jury, with the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

Durham Crown Court Sentencing Results

Matthew Reece Howe

Merlin Towers

Jeremy Richard Allington-Smith

John Paul Williamson

John Stubbins

Jack Whitfield-Gash

James Loades

Joseph Lee

Joshua Bate

Keith Fagan

Jonathan Frost

Dale Edwards

Daniel Marrinan

Colin White

Connor Ellison

Christopher Rome

Ciara Watkin

Christopher Barfe

Alan Badley

Aaron Paul Reece Whitwell

Adrian Wood

Brian O'neil

Benjamin English

Jack Dent-Bradley

Dushmanta Kara

George Granville Gibson

Craig Chittenden

Craig Elliott

Darren John Wood

Darren Thompson

Darren Wilkinson

Dave Hirchfield

David Ian Wales

David Mills

David Simpson

About Durham Crown Court

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