ANDREW GEORGE SHIPTONTHORPE INTERNET PERVERT OFFERS 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL SEX IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Andrew George, a 34-year-old man from Shiptonthorpe, was found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal sexual conduct involving a 14-year-old girl from the Barnard Castle area of County Durham. The incident, which took place in April, involved George meeting the young girl through an online chatroom dedicated to teenagers, where he used the alias 'Sexy Yorker'.

According to court reports, George initiated contact with the girl and soon began to ask her for sexual favors via private messages. During these exchanges, he falsely claimed to be younger than his actual age, attempting to manipulate her into believing he was a peer. When the girl, who was only 14 at the time, refused his advances, citing her age, George responded by expressing his preference for young girls, revealing his inappropriate interests.

The situation escalated when George requested the girl to activate her webcam so he could see her. Once she complied, he proceeded to perform a sexual act in front of the camera, an act that was witnessed by the young girl. The court was told that a few days after this incident, the girl confided in her mother about what had transpired. When they revisited the chatroom, they received another message from George, this time offering her a sum of £500 in exchange for sex.

Police were able to identify George through his email address, leading to his arrest. During the court proceedings, Paul Dharmi, representing George, explained that his client resided with his parents in a small village and worked night shifts at a garage, which limited his social interactions. Dharmi emphasized that George lacked a social circle and relied heavily on the internet as his primary means of connection, stating, “He is not in a position to socialise and does not really have a circle of friends. The Internet has become a lifeline to him.”

Furthermore, Dharmi mentioned that George was seeking psychiatric assistance, indicating an awareness of his issues. The magistrates, sitting at Newton Aycliffe, considered the possibility of custodial sentences but ultimately decided on a more lenient approach. Magistrates’ chairwoman Jean Johnson highlighted the severity of the case, noting that the significant age difference between George and the victim made the offense particularly serious. She pointed out that George’s social isolation was a relevant factor in the sentencing decision.

As a result, George was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for two years. He also received a three-month supervision order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of seven years. George admitted to offering a girl under 16 money for sex and engaging in a sexual act in front of a minor, charges that reflect the gravity of his actions and the breach of trust involved in this case.