MARC DALKIN

STOCKTON PAEDOPHILE WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILD GIVEN EXTENDED SENTENCE

A Stockton man who sexually abused a child has been given an extended sentence.

Marc Dalkin, 47, denied multiple offences but was convicted earlier this year by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

His victim "had the courage" to contact police years later, and the court heard that the abuse "ruined the victim's life." The abuse occurred over 20 years ago, with Dalkin convicted of 10 counts of sexual assault and attempted rape of a child.

Judge Tony Hawks told Dalkin, who appeared via video link from Holme House prison: "When (the victim) had the courage to contact the police, you denied everything and there had to be a trial.

They had to re-live your vile behaviour, in a public forum." "You continue to deny your offences.

Any sexual abuse of a child has catastrophic consequences - as is the case here.

For the sake of your perverted sexual gratification, you ruined their life." Dalkin, of Shannon Crescent in Stockton, was sentenced to a total of 21 years, consisting of a 12-year prison term plus nine years on extended licence.

He must serve two-thirds of the prison term before parole consideration and is subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order to prevent contact with his victim again.