DAMIEN NORTH, LEEDS MAN, JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE
A depraved individual who sexually abused three young girls has been sentenced to nearly two decades behind bars.During a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday, it was revealed that Damien North, aged 34, had exploited and assaulted the young victims before they reported the crimes to authorities in October 2023.
Prosecutor Michael Morley explained that one girl recounted how North approached her and carried out a sexual assault.
Another victim described waking up to find North sexually assaulting her.
Mr.
Morley stated: "She woke to discover him pulling up the back of her trousers, and when she became conscious, he quickly withdrew his hand and moved away as if seeking something else.
This was part of a sexual assault." The court was informed that North, who was homeless at the time, was detained the same day the allegations were made, denying any inappropriate conduct with the girls.
Mr.
Morley added: "His phone was confiscated, and searches for terms like 'Young tiny porn'—which indicate a sexual interest in children—were discovered." In addition to the incidents involving those two girls, another victim came forward, revealing she had been raped by North.
She appeared distressed in court and stated that North had subjected her to "sexual things." Mr.
Morley said: "She described what had happened...
The last incident was a week prior to her interview.
He told her not to tell anyone and promised to buy her anything she wanted." It was also noted that North had warned the girl, "not to tell anyone or he would go to prison." Following testimonies from all the victims, North admitted to multiple charges including rape, sexual activity with a child, and engaging in sexual acts in front of a minor.
In his plea, North’s legal representative, Katherine Robinson, told the court that a pre-sentence report had been prepared.
She indicated she believed earlier guilty pleas might have been made had certain evidence not been lost or misplaced in the system.
Robinson stated: "I have extensively discussed his feelings and acknowledgment of his actions with him.
The pre-sentence report does not reflect how he presented himself on the day of his pleas or today." ".he has demonstrated genuine insight into the harm caused and recognizes that his actions may affect how the girls relate to other adults, particularly men, and their future relationships.
This awareness weighs heavily on him." The court was informed that North had no prior criminal record.
His Honour Judge Robin Mairs sentenced him to 18 years in prison, accompanied by lifelong restraining orders and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
