ELDERLY COUNDON GRANGE MAN ALEXANDER COGLAN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE NEAR BISHOP AUCKLAND

In September 2017, 78-year-old Alexander Coglan, of St Mark’s Court, Coundon Grange, near Bishop Auckland, was sentenced to two years in prison for sexually abusing a vulnerable young female. The victim, who reported Coglan's misconduct almost immediately to a family member, suffered significant psychological trauma as a result of the incident.

The court heard that the victim has since ceased her voluntary work, developed a fear of travelling alone on public transportation, and has become less outgoing than before the incident, which occurred in January of the previous year.

A judge at Durham Crown Court commended the victim’s bravery in pursuing justice. Despite Coglan initially denying the charges, he ultimately changed his pleas to two counts of sexual assault several months before trial, leading to his conviction. The case was scheduled for trial in November but was resolved earlier.

Coglan had denied three counts of sexual assault at a plea hearing in May. However, following a case conference, the prosecution was notified in late July of his intention to admit to two charges, thereby avoiding the need for a trial.

During the sentencing, Coglan’s tearful victim’s father read a statement describing how his daughter’s previously cheerful and positive outlook on life had been "damaged irrevocably" by the incident.

Reflecting on the impact of Coglan’s actions, Recorder Peter Makepeace stated, “There’s no doubt at all that your behaviour has had a very considerable effect on the victim, who has required professional intervention.”

Coglan was ordered to adhere to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is required to register as a sex offender for ten years. A formal not guilty verdict was recorded on an unrelated count of sexual assault after the Crown declined to offer evidence, given Coglan’s admissions to the other two charges.