GARRY CROOKS FROM BEARPARK SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the local community of Bearpark and the wider County Durham area, Garry Crooks, a 55-year-old man with ties to several pubs in the region, has been handed down a severe prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving children.

Durham Crown Court heard harrowing details of Crooks’ crimes, which included the rape and indecent assault of two young victims, as well as the indecent assault of a third child. The court was told that Crooks, who also worked as a fruit and vegetable salesman, exploited his position of trust and authority to commit these heinous acts.

The court was informed that Crooks had on several occasions offered a child just 10 pence in exchange for acts of indecent touching, a detail that underscored the predatory nature of his conduct. Throughout the trial, Crooks attempted to deny the allegations, accusing the victims of lying, but the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure convictions.

All three victims bravely testified in court, sharing their experiences and the profound impact the abuse had on their lives. Their courage was acknowledged by Judge Christopher Prince, who emphasized the lasting scars left by Crooks’ actions. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Prince stated, “Your offending has had a severely adverse impact upon all of their lives. The victims have to live with the results of the offences committed against them. Unfortunately for you, so do you. You were well aware your behaviour would bring great suffering.”

Garry Crooks, residing on Kingston Avenue in Bearpark, was found guilty of five counts of rape and ten counts of indecent assault. He was acquitted of two additional indecent assault charges. The court also noted that Crooks’s actions had caused significant emotional and psychological harm to his victims.

In mitigation, defense attorney Dan Cordey acknowledged the gravity of the crimes, stating, “These are extremely serious cases. These offences have clearly had a lasting impact on the victims. This defendant knows he faces today a lengthy custodial sentence.”

As a result, Crooks was sentenced to 18 years in prison. The court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and mandated that Crooks register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The judge praised the victims’ “personal strength, courage and integrity” for coming forward, attending court, and providing evidence that contributed to the conviction.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to bring offenders to justice in County Durham and beyond.