CRAIG BLAND'S SHOCKING CRIME IN HEBBURN: SEX OFFENDER WALKS FREE AFTER ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLDS

In May 2004, a disturbing case unfolded involving Craig Bland, a 19-year-old sex offender from Hebburn, who was involved in the indecent assault of two young girls, both aged 12. The incident took place at a makeshift camp that Bland had established on wasteland near Coppergate House hostel, where he was residing at the time.

According to court proceedings, Bland had lured the two girls to his camp, offering them cigarettes and alcohol as part of his manipulative tactics. It was at this secluded, disused area that he engaged in inappropriate conduct, which included groping the girls and simulating sexual acts with one of them. Court reports detailed that Bland also gave the girls love bites, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of his actions.

Prosecutor Anne Richardson provided a detailed account of the events, explaining that the girls had initially met Bland while he was staying at the hostel. She revealed that Bland, who suffers from attention deficit syndrome, had asked the girls if they would have sex with him, falsely promising he would not get them pregnant. The prosecutor also stated that Bland bought the girls a bottle of wine and cigarettes, and requested one of them to give him a love bite, which took place at the camp.

One of the girls expressed discomfort when Bland began to touch her inappropriately, but he reassured her that he would not harm her. The situation escalated when one of the girls confided in her mother about what had happened, leading to Bland's arrest. He was subsequently remanded in custody.

During police interviews, Bland admitted to meeting the girls and acknowledged that he knew one of them was attracted to him. However, he claimed his intentions were purely friendly. He also confessed to purchasing cigarettes and alcohol for the girls, who had consumed these at the camp. Importantly, Bland believed the girls were aged 15 and 16, only discovering their true ages—both 12—after the incident.

In court, Bland pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault. His criminal history includes a previous conviction and a caution for sex offences. Notably, in June 2002, he was convicted of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy and was placed under an 18-month supervision order. He also has a past caution related to a serious sex offence involving a teenage girl.

Judge David Hodson delivered the sentence, opting for a community rehabilitation order lasting three years. The judge emphasized that, given Bland's prior convictions, a custodial sentence would typically be expected. However, considering his time already served—just over six months—the judge decided that a structured rehabilitation approach would be more beneficial. As part of the order, Bland is required to reside at a location specified by the probation service, beginning with a treatment centre. He must also participate in a one-on-one sex offender programme and undergo counseling to address his behavior.

Judge Hodson warned Bland that he would be monitored closely, with regular progress reports, and that any breach of the order could result in a return to prison. Additionally, Bland is mandated to register as a sex offender for five years, a measure intended to protect the community and ensure ongoing oversight of his conduct.