PETER MCLAUGHLIN FROM CARLISLE AND STANLEY FACES SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR INDECENT ASSAULT ON SCHOOLBOY
| Red Rose Database
Carlisle Stanley Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local communities of Carlisle and Stanley, Peter McLaughlin, a man once involved in regional politics and community leadership, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against a young boy during the 1990s. McLaughlin, who previously served as chairman of Stanley Town Council in County Durham and was also a prominent figure in local initiatives such as the Stanley Area Action Partnership, faced a court hearing in Carlisle where he admitted to indecently assaulting a schoolboy.
The incidents took place in the Greystone Road area of Carlisle, where McLaughlin resided at the time. The allegations against him include multiple instances of inappropriate conduct, with the prosecution asserting that the abuse began when the victim was only 13 years old. However, McLaughlin has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining his innocence until the recent court proceedings.
It was only on the day of his third scheduled trial at Carlisle Crown Court that McLaughlin, aged 61, finally admitted to two counts of indecent assault involving the boy, who was 15 at the time. This marked a significant turn in the case, which had previously seen two trials end without a verdict due to hung juries and other procedural issues, including the illness of a juror. The decision to plead guilty was made after extensive discussions with the victim, who wished to avoid the trauma of testifying a third time.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peter Hughes QC outlined the nature of McLaughlin’s misconduct. The court heard that McLaughlin had inappropriately touched the boy and kissed him in a manner deemed sexual and unacceptable. The judge emphasized that these acts occurred when the victim was 15, and that the relationship between the two continued even after the boy turned 16. Despite the gravity of the offenses, the judge acknowledged McLaughlin’s previous good character and the positive testimonials provided in court.
As part of his sentence, McLaughlin received a six-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions on his future contact with minors. The court also took into account McLaughlin’s involvement in local politics and community service, which he has since resigned from, including his role as a Labour Party candidate for Tanfield ward in Durham County Council elections.
Prior to this conviction, McLaughlin’s history included a period of active political engagement in the North East, notably in Stanley, where he served as chairman of the town council. His fall from grace has been widely noted, given his previous standing as a community leader and local politician. The court proceedings also revealed that there are 13 unresolved allegations of indecent assault related to the victim’s experiences when he was 13 and 14, which are likely to remain on file without further action.
McLaughlin appeared in court with little visible emotion, only confirming his identity and entering his pleas. The judge has scheduled the sentencing for January 2, allowing time for background reports to be prepared. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Carlisle and Stanley, highlighting the serious consequences of abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
The incidents took place in the Greystone Road area of Carlisle, where McLaughlin resided at the time. The allegations against him include multiple instances of inappropriate conduct, with the prosecution asserting that the abuse began when the victim was only 13 years old. However, McLaughlin has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining his innocence until the recent court proceedings.
It was only on the day of his third scheduled trial at Carlisle Crown Court that McLaughlin, aged 61, finally admitted to two counts of indecent assault involving the boy, who was 15 at the time. This marked a significant turn in the case, which had previously seen two trials end without a verdict due to hung juries and other procedural issues, including the illness of a juror. The decision to plead guilty was made after extensive discussions with the victim, who wished to avoid the trauma of testifying a third time.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peter Hughes QC outlined the nature of McLaughlin’s misconduct. The court heard that McLaughlin had inappropriately touched the boy and kissed him in a manner deemed sexual and unacceptable. The judge emphasized that these acts occurred when the victim was 15, and that the relationship between the two continued even after the boy turned 16. Despite the gravity of the offenses, the judge acknowledged McLaughlin’s previous good character and the positive testimonials provided in court.
As part of his sentence, McLaughlin received a six-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions on his future contact with minors. The court also took into account McLaughlin’s involvement in local politics and community service, which he has since resigned from, including his role as a Labour Party candidate for Tanfield ward in Durham County Council elections.
Prior to this conviction, McLaughlin’s history included a period of active political engagement in the North East, notably in Stanley, where he served as chairman of the town council. His fall from grace has been widely noted, given his previous standing as a community leader and local politician. The court proceedings also revealed that there are 13 unresolved allegations of indecent assault related to the victim’s experiences when he was 13 and 14, which are likely to remain on file without further action.
McLaughlin appeared in court with little visible emotion, only confirming his identity and entering his pleas. The judge has scheduled the sentencing for January 2, allowing time for background reports to be prepared. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Carlisle and Stanley, highlighting the serious consequences of abuse and the importance of justice for victims.