RICHARD MCGUIRE OF MIDDLESBROUGH JAILED FOR ABUSING TEENAGE BOYS AND FRAUD

In September 2008, Richard McGuire, 44, the former boss of a Middlesbrough-based training company and a previously convicted scoutmaster, was sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes involving teenage boys. McGuire was found guilty of drugging and sexually abusing several teenagers, filming the assaults, and possessing indecent photographs of his victims. He also forged a Criminal Records Bureau clearance form to secure contracts for Dragon House Training, through which he arranged go-karting and fishing activities for schoolboys.

McGuire pleaded guilty to 33 charges, including attempted rape, sexual activity with a child, making indecent photographs, and fraud. The court heard how police uncovered videos depicting McGuire abusing unconscious boys aged between 13 and 16. He admitted to taking part in activities such as sharing hotel rooms with boys, buying them alcohol, and inviting them to his residence under false pretenses.

Judge Peter Fox QC sentenced McGuire to an indefinite prison term with a minimum of seven years. During the hearing, the judge described him as "a dangerous pervert and a scheming predator where young children are concerned," adding that "the psychological harm to the young boys whom you seriously sexually abused is incalculable."

Prosecutor Christine Egerton stated that most of McGuire’s victims were unaware of what had happened to them until they were informed by authorities. The offences took place between October 2005 and February 2008.

Additionally, McGuire was banned for life from having any contact with children under 18. The court also noted that he received thousands of pounds in grants from the Lottery and Middlesbrough Borough Council to fund his training enterprise, which he exploited to carry out his abuse.