MICHAEL MARRIOTT'S 20-YEAR CHILD ABUSE HORROR IN SUNDERLAND AND WILLINGTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Sunderland and Willington, Michael Marriott, a man with a long history of child abuse spanning over two decades, has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The heinous acts committed by Marriott, who was born in Sunderland and later resided in Willington, involved the systematic abuse of two young girls over a period of 20 years, beginning when one was just four years old and continuing until she reached the age of 24. The other victim was subjected to Marriott’s predatory behavior from the age of seven through her late teens.

Durham Crown Court heard harrowing details of Marriott’s abuse, which was carried out on a weekly basis. Prosecutor Euan Duff described Marriott as a domineering and bullying figure who exerted control over his victims, to the extent that they felt unable to report the abuse until many years later, in 2003. The court was told that Marriott’s campaign of terror started in the mid-1980s, with the abuse occurring at various locations across the country.

Throughout the proceedings, it was revealed that Marriott’s criminal activities took place while he was living in multiple places, including Sunderland, South Hetton, and several other locations within County Durham. His movements also took him to Southampton, other parts of Hampshire, and Devon, where he resided at different times. His last known address was on Lincoln Drive in Willington, County Durham.

Both victims, who are protected by legal restrictions from being identified, have suffered immensely from Marriott’s actions. The court heard that the trauma inflicted upon them has left them unable to form normal relationships. One of the women has developed gynecological issues directly linked to the abuse, highlighting the severe physical and emotional toll of Marriott’s crimes.

Michael Marriott, aged 52 at the time of sentencing, pleaded guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault. However, he denied allegations of child cruelty and rape, which the court decided to leave on the file for potential future proceedings. His defense lawyer, Alexia Zimbler, expressed remorse on his behalf, stating that Marriott was angry with himself for not stopping sooner and acknowledged the pain he had caused his victims, whom he claims he hates himself for.

Judge Tony Armstrong, delivering the sentence, condemned Marriott’s actions as abusive, domineering, and relentless. He emphasized that the abuse was carried out on a weekly basis over many years. As part of his punishment, Marriott was ordered to serve a minimum of seven years in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from working with children or having any unsupervised contact with minors for the rest of his life. Marriott is also required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and will be subject to an extended license period upon his release, lasting until February 2016, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions.