GEORGE PRESTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN HARTBURN AND TEESSIDE

In a case that has shocked the community of Hartburn and the wider Teesside area, George Preston, aged 76, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young children during the 1960s and 1970s. Preston, who resided on Marrick Road in Hartburn, was found guilty of abusing two girls and a boy over a decade-long period, starting from 1963, in a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

One of Preston’s victims was so profoundly affected by the abuse that he attempted to take his own life, a tragic detail that was brought to light during the proceedings at Teesside Crown Court. The court heard how the trauma inflicted by Preston’s actions left lasting scars on the victims, with the male survivor’s suicide attempt underscoring the devastating impact of the crimes.

The case took a significant turn when Detective Constable Francesca Donovan of Cleveland Police’s child protection unit was commended for her diligent and sensitive investigation. She played a crucial role in uncovering a key witness whose testimony proved pivotal in securing Preston’s conviction. Detective Donovan’s efforts began midway through Preston’s trial, as she meticulously searched housing and social services records across Norfolk and Suffolk. Her investigation led her to a woman who was a former partner of one of Preston’s daughters.

This witness was present when Preston’s daughter confided in her about Preston’s depravity, following contact from the victims. Unfortunately, the mother of Preston’s daughter passed away four years prior to the trial, making her testimony all the more vital. Preston had initially planned to call his daughter as a witness to deny the allegations, but she ultimately refused to give evidence, which complicated his defense.

Preston admitted to six charges of indecent assault and one charge of inciting sexual activity with a child. During sentencing, Judge Peter Armstrong acknowledged that if Preston had been younger, he would have faced a longer sentence of nine years. The judge also ordered Preston to register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the severity of his crimes.

In his remarks, Judge Armstrong highlighted the profound and lasting damage caused to the victims, noting that the male victim’s suicide attempt was a direct consequence of Preston’s actions. The judge expressed disappointment that Preston showed no remorse or insight into the harm he caused, pointing out that Preston only pleaded guilty at the last moment, after the victims had given evidence and been cross-examined. The judge praised the detective work that uncovered the crucial witness, which ultimately undermined Preston’s defense and prevented his daughter, Janet, from giving perjured testimony.

Judge Armstrong also acknowledged the bravery of the victims, who demonstrated dignity throughout the ordeal, and expressed hope that Preston would read the victim impact statements. James Robinson, Preston’s defense lawyer, argued that Preston had led a hard-working life as a soldier, miner, and HGV driver before his retirement from B&Q, attempting to portray him in a more sympathetic light amidst the serious charges.