GEORGE YOUNG FROM CHESTER-LE-STREET AND TYNESIDE JAILED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has spanned decades and finally reached justice, 74-year-old George Young, a resident of Chester-Le-Street, was sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a young boy in North Tyneside during the early to mid-1970s.

Young appeared before Newcastle Crown Court to face charges that included approximately 15 separate counts of sexual abuse. The incidents in question took place in the North Tyneside area between 1970 and 1976, involving a boy who was then between the ages of eight and 15. The court heard that Young, who hails from Maplewood in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, had pleaded guilty to all charges, acknowledging his involvement in the abuse.

Prosecutor James Adkin detailed the manipulative tactics employed by Young, revealing that he would often bribe the young victim with sweets and money to prevent him from disclosing the abuse. Adkin stated, “The victim was discouraged from reporting it. He was given sweets and told not to tell anyone. As the boy grew older, he gave money as a bribe.”

The victim, whose life has been profoundly impacted by these traumatic events, has continued to seek psychological treatment. It was only in December 2012 that he found the courage to come forward and report the abuse, which had been kept secret for over 40 years.

In a heartfelt personal statement read out in court, the victim described the long-lasting effects of the abuse. “I was abused both physically and mentally from the age of eight to 15. It made it impossible for me to concentrate in school. At the age of 16, I was drinking more and more. I was constantly getting drunk to hide my fears and insecurities,” he explained.

During the hearing, Young’s defense attorney, Julian Smith, acknowledged that his client had no memory of the specific incidents but accepted that Young was responsible for the offenses. Smith stated, “He maintains his assertion that he has no memory of these events but he does not challenge the case that has been put here. He acknowledges these matters must be truthful.”

It was also noted that Young suffers from health issues, including angina and mental health problems. Additionally, one of his arms was severely disabled after a near-amputation following an accident. The court was told that his physical and mental health are deteriorating, which the judge acknowledged.

Judge Brian Forster sentenced George Young to nine years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Forster emphasized the gravity of the offenses, stating, “At the age of 74, you have to be sentenced for very serious offences. These offences were committed in the past against a boy who was aged between eight and 15. You took almost every opportunity you could to engage in some form of sexual misconduct with that boy.”

The judge also expressed appreciation for the victim’s bravery in coming forward after many years of silence. “I publicly thank him for coming forward in that way to speak of what happened to him. It’s clear from his statement that your activities have marred his life. He has struggled to live and to deal with what you did,” Judge Forster concluded, underscoring the lasting impact of the abuse and the importance of justice being served.