BRAIN TODD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN WHITLEY BAY: CANCER DIAGNOSIS ADDS TO HIS MISDEEDS

A man named Brian Todd, residing in Whitley Bay, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young child. The assault involved inappropriate physical contact with a child as young as seven years old, and the details of the case only emerged several years after the incident occurred. The delay in disclosure was attributed to the child's fear and intimidation, which prevented them from speaking out at the time, as revealed during the proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court.

Brian Todd, aged 72, from Charlton Court in Whitley Bay, was found guilty on four counts of sexually assaulting a minor. The court heard that the assaults had taken place years earlier, but the child's silence persisted due to fear and confusion. It was only when the child felt safe enough to come forward that the full extent of Todd's actions was uncovered. The court was informed that the child had been too scared to report the abuse initially, and as a result, Todd's offending went unpunished for a significant period.

On the day of sentencing, it was also revealed that Todd had been diagnosed with cancer. He had undergone a biopsy earlier that morning, which confirmed he was suffering from pT1 bladder cancer. The prognosis indicated that he would require invasive surgery within the next month, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Despite his health condition, Todd's crimes were considered serious enough to warrant a substantial prison sentence. The court emphasized that his ongoing medical treatment would be managed within the prison system, ensuring he receives the necessary care.

During the court proceedings, a statement was read from the child, who expressed a complex mix of feelings about the case. The child stated that they refused to see themselves as a victim, instead blaming themselves for the abuse and describing how they had bottled up feelings of anger and devastation. The court was told that the child had confided in police that they were too frightened to disclose the abuse at the time it happened but now believed that Todd should be held accountable for his actions.

In mitigation, Jeremy Barton, representing Todd, highlighted that his client continued to deny the allegations. Barton also pointed out Todd's recent hospital visit for the biopsy, which confirmed his bladder cancer diagnosis. The judge, Sarah Mallett, acknowledged the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse on the child, describing how the victim felt