ROBERT RYAN, TRIMDON SEX PREDATOR, SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR IN DURHAM

In January 2022, a disturbing case emerged from Durham involving Robert Ryan, a man from Trimdon who was convicted of serious sexual offenses and considered a significant threat to young females. The incident centered around Ryan luring an underage girl into his home under false pretenses before subjecting her to a brutal rape, despite her protests and her clear indication of her age.

According to court proceedings, Ryan, who was already on bail for a previous sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl, encountered the victim at a bus stop. Using a fabricated story, he convinced her to accompany him to his nearby residence in Trimdon Colliery. Once inside, the assault occurred, with the girl repeatedly protesting and informing Ryan of her age, but he continued his attack regardless.

Prosecutor Robin Patton detailed that after the assault, Ryan instructed the girl not to disclose what had happened and then accompanied her back to the bus stop. The girl was so distressed that she became physically sick. It was only three years later that she confided in a family member about the incident, and she eventually sought counseling due to ongoing anxiety and trauma. The delay in reporting was partly attributed to her fear and the emotional aftermath of the attack.

When Ryan was arrested in 2020, he initially claimed that the girl had willingly engaged in sexual activity with him. He maintained this false narrative throughout the court proceedings until the day of his trial, which took place shortly before Christmas. It was only then that Ryan, now 42 years old and residing on Lawson Street in Trimdon Colliery, admitted to the rape.

The court also learned that Ryan has a history of sexual offenses dating back to 2009 and 2016, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior. The sentencing was postponed until the following day to allow the Probation Service to prepare a comprehensive background report on Ryan’s risk factors and behavior.

The victim’s statement revealed the profound and lasting impact the assault has had on her life. She described a loss of trust in others, especially men, and ongoing anxiety that continues to affect her daily life. The court was informed that she moved away from the North East when she turned 16, seeking to escape the trauma associated with her attacker.

In assessing Ryan’s danger to the public, the probation report characterized him as posing a significant risk, particularly to young females. Judge James Adkin described Ryan as a dangerous offender, emphasizing his pattern of targeting children for sexual exploitation and his unpredictable, predatory conduct. The judge highlighted the seriousness of his behavior and the threat he continues to pose.

Ryan was sentenced to a term of eight years and one month in prison. Under the terms of the sentence, he must serve at least two-thirds of this period before being eligible for parole, although he may be required to serve the full sentence. Upon release, he will be subject to a four-year extended license period, during which he will be closely monitored.

Additionally, Ryan was subjected to lifetime restrictions, including a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and notification requirements as a registered sex offender. A lifetime restraining order was also imposed, explicitly prohibiting any contact with the victim to prevent further harm and ensure her safety.