STEPHEN HURST AND LIAM RAMSEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN RICHMOND AND DURHAM CITY CENTRE

Two childcare workers, Stephen Hurst and Liam Ramsey, have been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of sexual assault and drug abuse involving a vulnerable 15-year-old girl under their care. The disturbing events unfolded on October 3 of the previous year, when both men took the young girl into Durham City Centre, an outing that would turn into a nightmare for the victim.

Surveillance footage captured the two men arriving in Durham and subsequently visiting several local pubs. To conceal their activities and avoid detection, Hurst and Ramsey used their personal bank cards to purchase alcohol, which they then supplied to the girl throughout the day. The drinks included wine and cocktails, and their reckless behavior did not stop there. Later, they made a detour to acquire approximately £120 worth of Class A drugs, further endangering the girl’s well-being.

After their drug purchase, the pair returned the girl to the care home where they worked, continuing to serve her alcohol and administering cocaine. The victim later reported to police that the excessive cocaine intake caused her to experience a nosebleed, prompting her to go upstairs in the care home. As she moved away, both Ramsey and Hurst entered her room, both naked, and subjected her to physical and sexual abuse that persisted throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning.

At the time of these crimes, both Ramsey and Hurst were on duty, acting as the girl’s carers for that day. Their betrayal of trust was further exposed when the victim left the care home following the assault, prompting police to arrest the two men. They were subsequently charged with 18 offences, including sexual activity with a minor, intentional strangulation, and the supply of a Class A drug. During the legal proceedings, both men initially admitted to some charges but denied others, leading to a trial to determine their guilt.

In April, a jury found Liam Ramsey, aged 40 from Sunderland, and Stephen Hurst, aged 46 from Richmond, guilty of multiple serious offences. Ramsey received an 11-year prison sentence, while Hurst was sentenced to nine years behind bars. Both men were also placed on the sex offender’s register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of their activities.

Detective Constable Beth Otty, who led the investigation, expressed her condemnation of the offenders’ actions. She emphasized the dedication of the police team involved in the lengthy investigation, which aimed to secure justice for the victim. Otty stated, “Ramsey and Hurst should have been protecting the victim, but instead, they groomed, sexually assaulted, and abused her. She trusted them, and their actions have caused lasting trauma. I commend her bravery in coming forward and standing up against her perpetrators, who can no longer pose any danger to other children.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, it is crucial to seek help. Authorities encourage victims to report their experiences by calling Durham Constabulary at 101 or dialing 999 in emergencies, ensuring that support and justice are accessible to all who need it.