ELDERLY MAN JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE AND GROOMING

A pensioner who groomed and sexually abused five boys over twenty years ago has been sentenced to 19 years in prison. Alan Rutter, aged 78, was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of 11 charges, including child abduction, sexual activity with a child, indecent assault, and buggery, with some offenses now classified as rape. The court was told that Rutter would invite boys aged between eight and 17 to his home, where he would show them pornography and perform sex acts, often encouraging them to do the same. He would also give them alcohol and cigarettes and encourage truancy so they could visit him. Judge Gavin Doig described Rutter’s actions as 'deviant, calculated and pernicious,' which had caused lasting damage to his victims. The judge emphasized that his grooming was part of a continued and calculated process driven by his sexual interest, exploiting victims from chaotic family backgrounds who were more vulnerable to his influence. The victims expressed feelings of disgust, shame, and embarrassment, with some noting that the trauma inflicted by Rutter led to substance abuse problems. One victim said the guilty verdict allowed him to 'move on,' and the judge praised their bravery for coming forward. Rutter’s address was given as a retirement home in Easington, County Durham, and he is required to sign the sex offenders register for life. The court acknowledged his age and health in sentencing.