KEITH STOBBART SENTENCED IN SUNDERLAND FOR CHILD ABUSE IN HETTON-LE-HOLE

In a case that has spanned decades, Keith Stobbart, a man originally from Hetton-le-Hole, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous offences against children. The crimes, which date back over 35 years, only came to light after recent allegations and investigations.

Stobbart, who at the time of sentencing was living in Sunderland, was convicted of nine separate offences involving young girls. The offences ranged from acts of indecency to more serious abuse, with victims as young as six years old. The court heard that Stobbart’s pattern of abuse was systematic, beginning when he was himself a teenager, and continued over many years.

The case was brought to the attention of authorities after a 14-year-old girl accused Stobbart of misconduct in April of the previous year. Her complaint prompted further investigations, which uncovered a disturbing history of abuse stretching from 1971 to 1996. Victims who had previously remained silent came forward, revealing the extent of Stobbart’s predatory behaviour.

Prosecutor Penny Moreland described how Stobbart had threatened his victims and continued his offending with apparent impunity for many years. The court was told that he had exploited his victims, many of whom were children, and had maintained a pattern of coercion and control.

During the trial, Stobbart’s defence argued that he had learning difficulties and had cooperated with psychiatric assessments. A report from a psychiatrist was presented to the court, suggesting that he was no longer a danger to the public and that he might himself have been a victim of circumstances.

Judge David Wood, presiding over the case at Newcastle Crown Court, sentenced Stobbart to six years in prison. The judge acknowledged the defendant’s guilty plea, which spared the victims from having to testify in court. As part of his sentence, Stobbart was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was banned from working with children in any capacity.

Stobbart’s case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in uncovering hidden crimes. His sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect vulnerable children from predators, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.