MICHAEL TINNING FROM NEWTON AYCLIFFE AND STANLEY SENTENCED IN NORTHUMBERLAND FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant case that highlights ongoing concerns about child protection, Michael Tinning, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences against minors, has been sentenced to an indefinite detention order. The decision was made to ensure public safety, and Tinning will remain incarcerated until authorities from the Parole Board determine that he no longer poses a threat to society.

Michael Tinning, aged 46, has a long and disturbing criminal record involving multiple convictions related to child sexual abuse. His criminal activities span several years, with his first known conviction dating back to 2003 when he was imprisoned for offences committed against a young girl. Two years later, in 2005, he received a conditional discharge after being found in possession of indecent photographs, further demonstrating his pattern of inappropriate and illegal behavior.

His criminal history took a more serious turn in October 2006, when he was once again incarcerated for sexually abusing a boy. During this period, he also failed to report his whereabouts to authorities, breaching the terms of his supervision. At that time, Tinning was residing with a woman and her children in County Durham, which directly contravened a Sexual Offences Prevention Order issued by Durham Crown Court in 2003. This order explicitly prohibited him from being in a household where minors under the age of 18 were present.

Following his release from prison, it was revealed that Tinning had previously abused both a boy and a girl, although these victims had kept their experiences secret for some time. The abuse only came to light when one of the victims saw someone who resembled Tinning and subsequently confided in her mother. This revelation prompted further investigation, leading to Tinning’s admission of guilt on multiple charges, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault, during an earlier court hearing.

At Teesside Crown Court on a recent Friday, Judge Peter Fox, QC, described Tinning’s conduct as “grooming,” emphasizing the manipulative nature of his actions. The judge expressed concern that, had Tinning not been apprehended, his behavior could have escalated to more severe offences. The court heard that Tinning, who previously lived in Newton Aycliffe and Stanley in County Durham, is now listed as being held at Acklington Prison in Northumberland.

During the hearing, Tinning’s legal representative, Ian Bradshaw, argued that his client’s offending was limited to a period of three or four years and that he had not reoffended since then. Mr. Bradshaw acknowledged the gravity of Tinning’s past actions, stating, “This man acknowledges that he needs some radical assistance,” and admitted that his behavior was “absolutely abhorrent.” The court’s decision to impose an indefinite detention order reflects the serious concern about the potential risk Tinning poses to children and the community at large, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent further harm.