HUSBAND AND ACCOMPLICE JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE FROM THE 1990S
A married man and his accomplice who sexually assaulted a child during the 1990s have now been sentenced to prison.Joseph Willis, aged 74, from Borrowdale Street, Hetton-Le-Hole, was convicted of one count of rape after a series of trials at Newcastle Crown Court in April 2024 and April 2025.
The victim, who has the right to lifelong anonymity, gave a heartfelt statement in court, revealing the lasting impact of the abuse: "I have serious trust issues and really struggle with this when meeting new people.
I have anxiety and suffer from panic attacks.
I freeze at the thought of going back to the area where the abuse happened and have rarely been back since it happened.
Whenever I see posts from the area on Facebook, I am triggered.
I chose to move away as I wanted to try and get some happiness back in my life.
I always feel I am looking over my shoulder which is an awful way to have to live your life.
I am hoping I can now start to heal and one day return to the North East and socialise with friends I have not seen for years.
This crime stole my childhood, affected my mental health and damaged the important relationships in my life.
I do hope one day I will be able to move on from this." The investigation was led by Detective Constable Jennifer Robinson from Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department.
She praised the victim for their bravery in disclosing the abuse, which led to the conviction: "First and foremost, I'd like to praise the survivor in this case for the courage and composure they have shown during this investigation and the lengthy criminal proceedings which have followed.
I know this can't have been an easy thing to go through and re-live.
It is thanks to their bravery in disclosing what happened to police that these three dangerous and predatory individuals are now behind bars and will be closely monitored by police.
I hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those who think they can take advantage of anyone – we won't tolerate this type of behaviour and there are serious and lifelong consequences.
No one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely in collaboration with day-in-day-out.
If you have ever been a victim of rape or any type of sexual assault, we're here for you."
