JOHN PENNOCK FROM SHOTTON COLLIERY AND COUNTY DURHAM ACQUITTED OF NEW CHILD ABUSE CHARGES IN TEESSIDE

In March 2015, a significant development unfolded in the ongoing legal saga surrounding John Pennock, a man with deep ties to County Durham and the surrounding regions. Pennock, who was already serving a 17-year prison sentence for previous child sex offenses, faced a new trial at Teesside Crown Court on allegations of further abuse involving a young boy. The court proceedings revealed a complex and emotionally charged case that drew considerable attention from the local community and beyond.

John Pennock, aged 45, who has connections to Shotton Colliery, East Rainton, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, was accused of attempting to commit acts of sexual assault against a boy. The charges included four counts of attempted rape, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual activity with a minor. The allegations suggested that Pennock had systematically abused the boy, showering him with gifts and using threats to silence him, a pattern of behavior that the prosecution argued was deliberate and predatory.

The trial, which lasted five days, was marked by intense courtroom testimony and emotional exchanges. The complainant, who was a minor at the time, testified that he had been subjected to abuse and that he had only come forward after hearing that another victim had received a substantial compensation payout of £22,000. During the proceedings, the jury, composed of six men and six women, deliberated for nearly six and a half hours over two days before reaching a verdict.

John Pennock vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that he had never engaged in any inappropriate conduct with the boy. He maintained that he was unaware of the reasons behind the accusations and insisted that he had never touched the child nor was he attracted to children. His defense lawyer, Jeremy Hill-Baker, QC, suggested that the allegations might have been motivated by financial gain, pointing out that the complainant's claims appeared to be linked to the recent payout received by the first victim.

During the trial, the complainant responded to these suggestions with conviction, stating, “I don’t think so – not in a million years. I wouldn’t.” He explained that he had hesitated to report the abuse earlier because of the difficulty in coming forward and the fear of social repercussions. “Do you know how hard it is for somebody to come out with stuff like this? I wanted to tell the police but I didn’t want to put myself through what I am today,” he said. The young man also expressed concern about the potential for Pennock to harm others, emphasizing his desire for justice and safety.

Despite the accusations, the jury found Pennock not guilty of the four attempted rape charges, the incitement charges, and the sexual activity charges. The verdict was based on the evidence presented and the credibility of the witnesses, including the complainant’s heartfelt testimony. The court proceedings highlighted the complexities involved in cases of child abuse allegations, especially when financial motives are suspected.

John Pennock’s background was also discussed during the trial. He was fostered as a baby and has lived in various locations across County Durham, including Sunderland, East Rainton, and Shotton Colliery, as well as in Middlesbrough. His employment history includes work as a steel erector for a company based in Spennymoor and employment at a kebab factory in Washington. His current address, as listed in court documents, is HMP Durham, where he is serving his sentence. Despite his conviction and ongoing legal battles, Pennock continues to deny all charges, maintaining his innocence and asserting that he has been falsely accused.

The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding child protection and the importance of thorough investigations. The trial’s outcome has provided a measure of relief for Pennock’s supporters, while also raising questions about the motives behind some allegations. As the legal process continues, the community in Shotton Colliery and the wider County Durham area remains attentive to the developments in this case, which underscores the complexities of justice in cases involving vulnerable victims and accused individuals.