LIAM RAMSEY AND STEPHEN HURST FROM SUNDERLAND JAILED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN DURHAM

Two childcare workers from Sunderland, Liam Ramsey and Stephen Hurst, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after a series of heinous crimes involving a vulnerable teenage girl under their care. The disturbing events unfolded on October 3 of the previous year, when both men took a 15-year-old girl into Durham City Centre, an area known for its historic sites and vibrant streets.

Footage from CCTV cameras captured the pair as they arrived in Durham and proceeded to frequent several local pubs. To conceal their activities, Ramsey and Hurst used their personal bank cards to purchase alcohol, which they then supplied to the young girl throughout the day. The drinks included wine and cocktails, and their reckless behavior continued as they made a detour to buy approximately £120 worth of Class A drugs, including cocaine.

After their drug purchase, the two men returned with the girl to the care home where she was supposed to be safe and protected. Instead, they continued to give her alcohol and administered cocaine, further impairing her judgment and physical state. The victim later told police that the excessive cocaine intake caused her to experience a nosebleed, prompting her to go upstairs to seek relief.

As she moved to her room, Ramsey entered naked, followed by Hurst, who was also without clothes. What followed was a night of physical and sexual abuse inflicted upon the girl, lasting into the early hours of the morning. Both Ramsey and Hurst, who were on duty as her carers that day, betrayed their responsibilities and the trust placed in them by her family and the care system.

It was only after the victim left the care home following the traumatic ordeal that police were alerted. Officers swiftly arrested Ramsey and Hurst, charging them with a total of 18 offences, including sexual activity with a child, intentional strangulation, and the supply of a Class A drug. During initial police interviews, both men admitted to some of the allegations but denied others, leading to a trial to establish the full extent of their crimes.

In April, a jury found both Ramsey and Hurst guilty of multiple serious offences. Liam Ramsey, aged 40 and a resident of Sunderland, was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Stephen Hurst, aged 46 from Richmond, received a sentence of 9 years. Additionally, both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives, ensuring ongoing monitoring of their activities.

Detective Constable Beth Otty, who led the investigation, expressed her commitment to justice, stating, “This has been a long and demanding investigation involving a large team of dedicated police officers and staff who have all worked diligently to bring about the best possible result for the victim. Ramsey and Hurst should have been keeping the victim safe, instead they were the ones who groomed her, sexually assaulted and abused her. She should have been able to trust them and should have felt safe in their company. They had no forethought for the lasting impact their actions will continue to have on the victim.”

She also praised the bravery of the young girl for coming forward and speaking out against her abusers, emphasizing that such perpetrators pose no threat to other children. Authorities encourage anyone who has experienced sexual assault to seek help and report their experiences. Calls can be made to Durham Constabulary at 101 or dial 999 in emergencies, reaffirming the importance of community vigilance and support for victims of such crimes.