County Durham man jailed for child sex abuse

A man named Colin Houghton, aged 40 and residing in Hackworth Street, Ferryhill, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for serious sexual offences against a young girl. He was found guilty after a trial last month of 11 charges including indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, and attempted rape. The court has ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from living with children under the age of 16. The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court, with the verdict highlighting the severity of his crimes involving a young girl. Houghton’s actions have been described as 'very serious' by the authorities, and his sentencing reflects the importance placed on protecting children from sexual abuse.