PETER FINCKEN FROM HARTLEPOOL AND LAZENBY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN TEESSIDE

In April 2012, a disturbing case involving serious sexual offenses committed by Peter Fincken, a resident of Queen Street in Lazenby on Teesside, drew significant attention from the local community and law enforcement authorities. Fincken, aged 46 at the time, was convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving minors, including the rape of an 11-year-old girl and grooming a 13-year-old girl through social media platform Facebook.

The court proceedings revealed that Fincken’s criminal activities spanned several years, with the offenses occurring between 2003 and July 2011. The jury found him guilty of six counts of raping the 11-year-old girl, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with the 13-year-old girl, and two charges related to abducting her. As part of his sentence, Fincken was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his movements and interactions with minors.

During the trial, Fincken denied all 16 charges related to possessing internet child pornography. However, the Crown Prosecutor decided not to pursue these particular charges further, citing the high costs and resource implications of a trial. The court entered not guilty verdicts on these counts, focusing instead on the more substantiated allegations.

Judge Tony Briggs delivered a stern judgment, describing Fincken as having a “warped and perverted” interest in young girls. The judge emphasized that Fincken had accessed numerous internet sites that reflected his deviant tendencies and manipulative personality. He pointed out that Fincken’s behavior demonstrated a clear pattern of attempting to dominate and control vulnerable minors, making him a significant danger to the community.

Judge Briggs further remarked that Fincken’s personality was overpowering and that his actions could easily attract and influence young, impressionable individuals. The court’s psychiatric report indicated that Fincken was fully aware of his actions and their implications, dismissing any claims of mental incapacity or inability to understand his conduct. The judge expressed concern that Fincken posed a continued risk of reoffending, and he concluded that there was no justification for a hospital order to treat any underlying mental health issues.

Addressing Fincken’s previous residence, the judge noted that he had lived in Hartlepool before moving to Lazenby. The court also highlighted that Fincken’s eventual release from prison would be subject to review by the Parole Board, which would assess whether he remains a threat to society.

Fincken’s defense lawyer, Paul Reid, acknowledged the severity of the sentence, stating, “Mr Fincken knows that a sentence for public protection means that very few people who receive one are ever released.” The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Hartlepool and Lazenby, raising ongoing concerns about the safety and protection of minors in the area.