GEORGE SLATER FROM OUSTON JAILED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE IN COUNTY DURHAM

In October 2014, a tragic and disturbing case of long-standing sexual abuse came to light involving George Slater, a man from Ouston, County Durham. Slater, a retired diesel fitter, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes committed over many years, including the rape of his own daughter and the sexual assault of his sister-in-law. His sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court resulted in a 13-year prison term, marking the culmination of a detailed investigation into his historic offending.

Following his conviction, two victims, Donna Slater and Marion Bradley, chose to waive their right to anonymity in order to publicly urge other victims of sexual abuse to come forward. Donna Slater, aged 43 and residing in Chester-le-Street, shared her harrowing experience, revealing that she has a 12-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter. She expressed her deep pain and frustration, stating, “We have suffered all lives for this. I want people to know what kind of a man he is. He should be named and shamed. He does not deserve to come out of prison. I hope he rots.”

Donna detailed the profound emotional scars left by her father's abuse, describing her life as being deeply affected both mentally and physically. She recounted her struggles with mental health, including multiple suicide attempts, and her difficulty maintaining relationships. Her plea to other victims was clear: “I want other people to come forward. I know it has made me feel. Once you do you realize you are not the only person out there.”

George Slater, aged 67, was convicted of one count of rape and ten charges of sexual assault against his daughter, with the abuse spanning from 1974 to 1985. The assaults began when she was a young girl and culminated in her being raped at the age of 11. Additionally, Slater was found guilty of abusing his wife Anne’s younger sister, Marion Bradley, over a two-year period from 1967 to 1968, starting when she was just eight years old. Marion, now 55 and a great-grandmother, lives in Dunston and has four children and one grandchild. She believes that the increased public awareness following the Jimmy Savile scandal played a role in prompting police to take their case seriously. “I think it helped a lot. It is a hard thing to do, but I hope other people in our position will also come forward,” she said. “His victims were very young when it happened. He is a pervert. A sick pervert.”

Superintendent Lisa Orchard of Northumbria Police emphasized the importance of reporting sexual offences, stating, “Officers always take allegations of rape and sexual offences seriously and urge victims to come forward. Their welfare and safety are paramount, and we work closely with victims to ensure they receive the necessary help and support as investigations proceed. I’d like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case during what was an extremely difficult time for them. I hope this sentence gives others the confidence to come forward.”

Overall, the case highlights the importance of addressing historic abuse and encouraging victims to seek justice, regardless of how much time has passed. The community and law enforcement continue to emphasize that no one should suffer in silence, and that support is available for those affected by such traumatic experiences.