PHILIP MAGSON AND SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN DURHAM AND TEESSIDE
A man with a troubling history of sexual offending has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious crimes involving minors.Philip Magson, a former police officer, has now received a 29-year sentence for his latest offending, which caused significant trauma to young victims.
Magson’s predatory behavior was directed at two young children, whom he befriended through their mother.
His exploitation included abusing the children both within their family home and during a trip to Kirkleatham Gardens.
The gravity of his actions underscores the danger he posed to vulnerable minors.
Investigations also revealed that Magson extended his predation into public spaces, notably the streets of Thornaby, where he engaged in disturbing conduct.
In one incident, he made a repulsive sexual remark to a child who had fallen while roller skating.
Despite this, he returned to the same area approximately eight months later and committed a sexual assault against another young girl.
The court heard details of Magson’s past criminal record, which dates back to the early 1980s.
During that time, while serving as an off-duty Cleveland Police officer, he was convicted of sexually assaulting young girls.
This history reveals a pattern of exploiting minors, further elevating concerns about his dangerousness.
The latest offenses occurred several years prior to his recent sentencing, and their impact on the victims has been profound.
Prosecutor Jonathan Walker presented victim impact statements that illustrated the deep emotional distress and ongoing anxiety experienced by the children.
Their parents expressed their anguish over the suffering inflicted by Magson, emphasizing the lasting effects of his cruelty.
Magson, who has previously been associated with the Teesside area but is now without a fixed residence, faced a jury earlier this year and was convicted of six sexual offenses.
His guilty verdict marked a significant legal victory against a man with a long history of abusing children.
During mitigation, Chris Baker acknowledged that there was little leniency to be offered, stating, “He appreciates that he has had his trial and lost.” Justice Howard Crowson sentenced Magson to an initial term of 21 years in prison, followed by an extended period of eight years on supervised release, known as an extended license.
The judge condemned Magson explicitly, stating, “You are a man with a deviant sexual interest in children.
You are a dangerous offender, persistent and cunning.” In addition to his prison sentence, Magson was ordered to be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which imposes restrictions aimed at preventing further offenses.
He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Carl Middleton from Cleveland Police’s Public Protection Unit expressed his condemnation of Magson’s actions.
He emphasized the seriousness of the crimes committed, stating, “The actions of Magson are unforgivable and the sentence handed to him today highlights the severity of the crimes he has committed.” Middleton praised the bravery of the victims and their families, acknowledging the courage required to endure the court proceedings.
He concluded by affirming that “Magson deserves to spend a significant time in prison as a result of what he has done.”
