ALEXANDER FINNIGAN FROM STANLEY SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN DURHAM

In May 2018, Alexander Finnigan, a man from Stanley, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 21 years in his absence after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving two underage girls. The sentencing took place at Durham Crown Court, where disturbing details of his crimes were revealed to the court.

During the proceedings, Finnigan was heard coughing and exhibiting signs of difficulty breathing, which led to a brief adjournment. A nurse was summoned to the video link room at HMP Durham, where Finnigan was being held, to assess his condition. It was reported that the 55-year-old man claimed to be suffering from angina, but despite his health complaints, the judge, Christopher Prince, decided to proceed with the sentencing on that Friday afternoon.

The court was informed that Finnigan had engaged in a prolonged pattern of abuse, often involving the administration of alcohol to the young victims before subjecting them to sexual acts. The court heard that he would sometimes purchase alcopops and sweet spirit-based drinks, which are easily consumed and particularly tempting to minors. These acts spanned over several years, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Finnigan’s trial, which lasted for seven days in April, resulted in a unanimous guilty verdict on 12 out of the 13 charges he faced. The allegations were brought forward by two women, both under the age of 16 at the time the offenses occurred. The judge emphasized the severity and duration of the offending, noting that Finnigan exploited vulnerable young girls through careful planning and manipulation, often using alcohol and drugs to facilitate his abuse. The judge also pointed out the breach of trust involved in his actions.

Throughout the trial, Finnigan, who resides on Lenin Street in Stanley, denied all charges, which included two counts of rape, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and nine counts of indecent or sexual assault. The prosecution’s evidence, along with the jury’s findings, proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Judge Prince remarked that Finnigan had accused the victims of fabricating their stories, but the jury’s verdict confirmed that the victims were truthful, and Finnigan’s denials were unfounded.

As part of his sentence, Finnigan was ordered to serve 21 years in prison. Additionally, he will be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The judge acknowledged the profound and ongoing trauma experienced by the victims, stating that the impact of Finnigan’s actions had been deeply traumatic and had lasting effects.

In a related development in April 2018, Finnigan was formally convicted of multiple sex offenses against underage girls. His first appearance at Durham Crown Court was shortly after his 55th birthday, where he faced a 13-count indictment. The charges were not formally put to him at that initial hearing due to concerns over his fitness to plead, but he denied all allegations during the subsequent trial.

During the trial, Finnigan’s lack of explanation for the accusations was noted, and the jury found him guilty of all but one of the rape charges. His defense counsel requested bail for him, citing health issues affecting both Finnigan and his wife, but Judge Prince refused, citing his lack of remorse and the serious nature of the crimes. The judge assured Finnigan that adequate healthcare would be available to him in prison, and he was warned that a substantial sentence was imminent.

Overall, the case underscores the gravity of the offenses committed by Alexander Finnigan in Stanley and highlights the justice served for the victims who endured prolonged abuse at his hands.