RAYMOND DAGLISH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN WALLSEND AND LONGBENTON

In September 2017, Raymond Daglish, a man previously residing in Longbenton, North Tyneside, was released from prison and returned to live in the same area. His criminal history is marked by a harrowing case of child sexual abuse that has left a lasting scar on his victim, a woman now aged 44, who has bravely come forward to seek justice after decades of silence.

The incident dates back to Halloween night in 1979, when Daglish, then just 18 years old, was entrusted with babysitting a young girl at her home in East Howdon, Wallsend. Instead of caring for her, he subjected her to a degrading and traumatic assault that would haunt her for the rest of her life. The girl, only 10 years old at the time, kept her ordeal secret, fearing the devastating impact it might have on her family. She was determined to escape her attacker and begged her mother to let her move away, eventually convincing her to send her to live with her father, who was serving in the army.

Despite the physical distance, the psychological scars persisted. The victim recalled that every Halloween season, as shops began to display seasonal decorations, memories of that night resurfaced vividly. Her trauma led her down a dark path, and by the age of 14, she was battling substance abuse and behavioral issues. Her life was spiraling out of control, and she felt overwhelmed by her unresolved pain.

In 1987, she met her future husband, whose love and support became a turning point in her life. With his encouragement, she finally found the strength to open up about her childhood trauma, sharing her story with her husband and her stepmother. She also sought counseling to help process her experiences. However, she hesitated to report the crime to authorities at that time, fearing the repercussions on her family. It was only after her grandmother's death in 2012 that she decided to take action. Feeling a newfound sense of liberation, she contacted the police shortly after the funeral, determined to seek justice for what had happened to her.

Following her report, Raymond Daglish was arrested at his residence on Kingfisher Road in Longbenton. Nearly a year later, he faced charges of sexual assault of a child and rape. When he pleaded not guilty, the victim, who now suffers from ME and requires a wheelchair, was faced with the difficult prospect of reliving her trauma in court. Despite the emotional toll, she chose to confront her abuser directly, declining the option to give evidence behind a screen, stating her desire to face him openly and to no longer be a victim.

Her courage was ultimately rewarded when, at Newcastle Crown Court, a jury convicted Daglish of indecent assault and rape. Judge Penny Moreland sentenced him to three years in prison for the assault and eight years for the rape, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions. The judge remarked, “Your behaviour has caused immeasurable distress to all those close to you and to the victim.”

Today, the victim continues her journey of healing, having finally found justice after more than three decades of suffering in silence. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance and bravery in confronting past traumas and seeking accountability for perpetrators of such heinous crimes.