ANGELA SULLIVAN FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN TEESSIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Angela Sullivan, a woman from Middlesbrough, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in a prolonged and systematic sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy. The heinous acts reportedly took place over a period during which Sullivan had nearly 200 sexual encounters with the young victim, with the abuse beginning around January of the previous year.

According to court records, Sullivan, aged 36 and a mother residing on Cavendish Road in Middlesbrough, admitted to ten charges related to causing or inciting a child to participate in sexual activities. The police investigation was triggered when officers arrested her last October, discovering her diary filled with markings—stars against 191 dates—indicating the days she had engaged in sexual acts with the boy. Authorities from Cleveland Police stated that Sullivan had taken full advantage of what they described as a vulnerable young boy, exploiting his innocence for her own gratification.

During the sentencing hearing at Teesside Crown Court, Judge John Walford described the case as “shocking,” emphasizing the severity of Sullivan’s actions. Prosecutor Richard Bennett provided a detailed account of the events, revealing that the abuse began during a New Year’s party hosted by Sullivan in January of the previous year. The party was reportedly alcohol-fueled, with spirits and other drinks freely available to the children present. Bennett explained that Sullivan approached the boy during the event, asking provocative questions such as, “Are you daring? Are you a devil? Are you game?”

He further recounted that Sullivan attempted to kiss the boy, who pulled away, but later, under the influence of alcohol—specifically, after consuming approximately ten bottles of vodka-based drinks—the boy was described as “really drunk.” Sullivan then took the intoxicated child to bed, undressed him, and engaged in sexual activity with him. The following day, the boy, described in court as a “young-looking 12-year-old,” was suffering from a heavy hangover. Sullivan reportedly told him, “I had sex with you and if anyone finds out it’s classed as rape and everything,” revealing her awareness of the illegality and gravity of her actions.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Sullivan kept a diary where she marked each occasion of sexual contact with a star, symbolizing each encounter. She also groomed her victim by buying him gifts, including a pair of trainers she rewarded him with on the milestone of their 100th sexual encounter. The court was shown video footage captured on her mobile phone, depicting her engaging in sexual acts with the boy. Rumors had circulated at the boy’s school suggesting he was in a relationship with Sullivan and that she was pregnant, which added to the distress of the case.

When questioned by police, Sullivan initially denied any sexual activity had taken place. However, evidence including her diary, text messages, and video recordings proved otherwise. She also sent the boy numerous texts, using childish language, and even encouraged him to shave his pubic hair as part of her bizarre celebrations, with her diary noting “(name) shaved pubes” alongside three stars on that date. Further disturbing details emerged when it was revealed that her own son had witnessed her engaging in sexual acts with the boy, both in the house and on video footage recorded by Sullivan herself.

In her attempt to maintain control and keep the victim close, Sullivan showered him with gifts and manipulated circumstances to be alone with him, such as sending her son to stay with relatives. She also made explicit recordings and kept photographs of the boy, some of him naked and in a school uniform. Her actions extended to online messaging, where she referred to the boy with endearing terms like “He’s only a baby,” and expressed her own pregnancy, which further distressed the young victim.

Judge Walford, in delivering the sentence, acknowledged that Sullivan did not supply the alcohol herself but criticized her for allowing a 12-year-old to become intoxicated, calling this “shameful.” He described her as having committed an “aberration,” albeit a long-lasting one, and emphasized the gravity of her breach of trust. Sullivan, who had no prior convictions, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Acting Detective Inspector John Wrintmore condemned her actions, stating, “Angela Sullivan has clearly preyed on, and taken complete advantage of a vulnerable young boy,” and praised the courage of the victim for enduring the ordeal.