JOHN HARROP FROM DURHAM REPEATEDLY OFFENDS AGAINST YOUNG BOY - SENTENCED IN DURHAM COURT

John Harrop, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been returned to prison after being convicted of new charges involving a young boy. Harrop, who previously served a lengthy sentence for the repeated rape of a young girl, was once again found guilty of similar historic offenses, this time against a male victim.

Harrop, aged 37 and residing on Woodbine Road in Pity Me, Durham, faced a three-day trial at Durham Crown Court early last month. The court heard that he was responsible for three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault against a boy, with the allegations dating back to a period when the victim was a minor. The jury unanimously convicted him of all charges, leading to a serious sentencing hearing on Monday, May 13.

During the proceedings, the latest victim delivered an impact statement, describing how Harrop’s actions had profoundly affected his life. The victim expressed feelings of loss and betrayal, stating, “He took my childhood away,” and reflecting on how, as he grew older, he realized the severity of what had happened to him, which he had previously kept silent about. This emotional testimony underscored the lasting trauma inflicted by Harrop’s misconduct.

The court was informed that Harrop had not committed any further offenses since his previous conviction and had engaged in courses under the supervision of the Probation Service. Prosecutor Robin Patton emphasized that Harrop’s behavior since his release had been compliant, and his risk level to children had been reduced to “medium.” However, concerns remained due to the nature of the recent offenses and the fact that they only came to light after a complaint was made in 2021.

Harrop’s defense lawyer, Jonathan Walker, acknowledged that the previous crimes for which Harrop was convicted shared similarities with the recent offenses, describing them as “many of the hallmarks” of the current case. Walker characterized the earlier crimes as “ugly, horrible offenses,” but suggested they were “relics of the past,” given Harrop’s long incarceration and subsequent good behavior. He argued that Harrop had been a model prisoner and that his conduct since release had been exemplary, with no further offending. Walker emphasized that the recent charges, which emerged in 2021, were part of a pattern of past behavior, and expressed confidence that Harrop’s “warped behavior” would not recur.

In sentencing, Recorder Tony Hawks acknowledged some overlap between the previous and current offenses but noted that the recent offenses only came to light after the victim chose to disclose them years later. The judge pointed out that Harrop continued to deny the allegations, which meant he would not receive any reduction in his sentence. Despite the lack of recent offending, the court did not consider Harrop a “dangerous offender,” but classified him as “an offender of particular concern.” As a result, Harrop is required to serve at least two-thirds of his eight-year sentence before being eligible for parole.

Recorder Hawks concluded by remarking that if Harrop had admitted the recent offenses earlier, he might not be in the current predicament. Additionally, Harrop will be subject to lifetime notification requirements as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from future harm.