ALLAN SPACEY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN DURHAM FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL NEAR BISHOP AUCKLAND
A man named Allan Spacey, who subjected a young girl to repeated sexual abuse, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 15 years.The heinous offences took place in Durham, where the victim described her tormentor as treating her, in her own words, like a 'sex toy.' Judge Sarah Mallett, presiding over Durham Crown Court, emphasized that Spacey was aware of the girl’s vulnerability, describing her as 'young, naive, and vulnerable' at the time of the abuse.
Despite his conviction, Spacey, aged 68 and residing at The Crescent, High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, remains in denial about his guilt.
The court was informed that the victim felt isolated and overwhelmed by her experiences, leading her to self-harm and attempt suicide twice in the aftermath of the abuse.
It was only after she confided in others about what Spacey had done that charges were brought against him.
The police investigation uncovered that Spacey had sent the girl numerous messages following the initial disclosures.
The trial, which commenced on August 19, lasted for a week, culminating in a jury verdict of guilty on all six counts, including some of sexual assault on a girl under 13.
The charges encompassed multiple offences, with one count covering several acts.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered an impact statement, revealing her ongoing struggle to comprehend the extent of Spacey’s actions and the profound loss she endured.
She described her abuser as 'weak and pathetic' and expressed her desire to protect other young girls from similar harm, warning them about Spacey’s true nature.
She recounted her own naivety at the time and how Spacey exploited her vulnerability.
The victim questioned how a child could be blamed for her own assault and voiced her fears that the trauma inflicted by Spacey would affect her for the rest of her life.
Despite the horrors she endured, she also shared that her ordeal has made her stronger.
Following Spacey’s conviction, she feels she is on a path toward healing and better days.
The court was also informed that Spacey has a criminal record comprising 12 convictions for 38 previous offences, although these are unrelated to the current case and are considered old.
In mitigation, Robert Mochrie acknowledged that there was little he could say on behalf of his client, as Spacey continues to deny the charges.
However, he accepted that the court must impose an appropriate sentence in light of the jury’s verdict.
He pointed out Spacey’s age and suggested that, given the multiple offences, the totality of the sentence should be considered.
Mr.
Mochrie also noted that, as Spacey would be elderly upon release, a slightly tempered sentence might be appropriate.
Judge Mallett quoted the victim’s words, describing how Spacey had treated her 'like a sex toy' and subjected her to 'hell.' She addressed Spacey directly, stating, 'You knew how young, naive, and vulnerable she was.
At the time, she was self-harming and had attempted suicide twice.' Despite the suffering inflicted, the judge acknowledged the victim’s resilience, noting her growth into an 'impressive young woman.' She also recognized Spacey’s history of a 'strong work ethic' but pointed out the absence of guilty pleas in this case.
The judge sentenced Spacey to 15 years in prison, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served before he could be considered for parole.
Upon release, he will serve an additional year under licence supervision.
Furthermore, the court imposed several restrictions: Spacey is permanently barred from working with children and from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, enforced through an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He will also be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
A lifetime restraining order was issued to prevent him from ever contacting or approaching his victim again, ensuring her ongoing protection from any potential harm.
