CHRISTOPHER LAWSON JARR0W SOLDIER SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN SOUTH TYNESIDE

In April 2017, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded in South Tyneside, revealing the dark secrets of a man once regarded as a respected member of his community. Christopher Lawson, a former soldier with a distinguished career, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl.

Lawson, who resided on Primrose Terrace in Jarrow, had served his country with honor, completing multiple tours of duty in Northern Ireland and Germany during his two-decade military service. Following his discharge from the army, he found employment with the blood transfusion service, where he was considered a reliable and well-liked worker. Despite his outward appearance of respectability, Lawson harbored a sickening secret that would eventually come to light through the courage of his victim.

The victim, now an adult woman, bravely confronted her past during a court trial, revealing that Lawson had sexually abused her when she was still a primary school pupil. The court heard that Lawson committed multiple sexual offences against her, including two counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault. Lawson, who continues to deny the charges, was convicted by a jury after the evidence was presented.

During the sentencing hearing, the woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, faced her attacker in court and read a heartfelt statement from the witness box. She expressed the profound impact of Lawson’s actions on her life, stating, “I have lived with the shame, mortification and degradation of what he has done to me. It has affected every single part of my life in every way it possibly could.” She described living in constant fear, confusion, shame, and horror, emphasizing that although she now knows Lawson cannot harm her or others, the lingering feelings of fear remain.

She also conveyed her disbelief that her “sordid, shameful secret” had finally been exposed and justice had been served. She expressed her belief that Lawson would not show remorse, stating, “I don’t think Christopher Lawson will feel or show any remorse, he never has.”

Judge Edward Bindloss delivered the sentence, condemning Lawson to 15 years in prison with an additional one-year extended license. The judge also ordered lifelong registration as a sex offender and a sexual harm prevention order. In his remarks, Judge Bindloss highlighted that Lawson has been assessed as posing a “high risk of serious harm to children.”

Addressing Lawson directly, the judge said, “Her struggling to understand why this happened to her has had a devastating effect upon her childhood and life in general. She told me, and I accept, that she finds it difficult to trust others.”

While acknowledging Lawson’s previously good army record and his efforts to contribute positively to society, the judge emphasized that his crimes have overshadowed his reputation. He noted, “You contributed to society and your community. You were clearly a good friend to many and highly regarded by many.”

Lawson’s defense, represented by Gavin Doig, maintained that Lawson is highly regarded by those who know him and that no other complaints have been made against him. Mr. Doig stated, “He is spoken of extremely highly by many of those who have known him,” and added that Lawson’s criminal actions now significantly tarnish his reputation.

Despite the defense’s arguments, the court’s verdict was clear, and Lawson was sentenced accordingly, marking a tragic chapter in the community of Jarrow and South Tyneside.