LABOUR COUNCILLOR PAUL MIDDLETON CAUGHT IN SUNDERLAND CHILD SEX OFFENCE SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Sunderland community, Labour Councillor Paul Middleton was apprehended during a police sting operation in 2017. The incident involved Middleton believing he was engaging in a conversation with a 12-year-old girl residing in a care home, but in reality, he was speaking with an undercover police officer.

In December of that year, Middleton, aged 44, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16. The court proceedings took place at Newcastle Crown Court, where the judge sentenced him to four months in prison, though this sentence was suspended for 18 months. This means Middleton will not serve time unless he commits another offence within the suspension period.

Additionally, Middleton was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which imposes restrictions aimed at protecting the public from potential future offences. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for a period of seven years, a measure that requires him to regularly update authorities about his whereabouts and activities.

Middleton, who was the representative for Washington South, faced disciplinary actions from his political party. The Labour Party suspended him in June following the incident. Subsequently, in December, he was stripped of his council seat after failing to attend any council meetings for a period of six months, further highlighting the consequences of his actions and the impact on his political career.