ROBERT THOMPSON FROM FERRYHILL AND HOWDEN-LE-W-WEAR SENTENCED FOR ABUSING FIVE CHILDREN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Ferryhill and Howden-le-Wear, County Durham, 75-year-old Robert Thompson was sentenced to prison after admitting to the sexual abuse of five young girls. The heinous acts took place over a span of several years, from 2002 until July of the previous year, and have left a lasting scar on the victims and their families.

Thompson, a pensioner, was brought to justice after he chose to surrender to police authorities following a confrontation with his own family members. The court was informed that his wife of more than five decades was so appalled and distressed upon learning of his actions that she decided to leave him, effectively ending their long-standing marriage. His family members, including his two sons, also distanced themselves from him, disowning him in the wake of the allegations.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Paul Newcombe, detailed the nature of Thompson’s crimes. It was revealed that one of the young girls, overwhelmed by the trauma, resorted to self-harm by cutting herself, illustrating the severe emotional impact of the abuse. The court heard that Thompson had threatened another girl with social rejection and exile from her family if she dared to disclose what had happened to her.

When the allegations first surfaced in July, Thompson initially denied the accusations, claiming they were falsehoods. However, he later admitted to the sexual assaults during police interviews. Mr. Newcombe recounted that Thompson was confronted by his two sons, after which he expressed remorse to his wife, saying, “I am sorry.” At Darlington police station, Thompson appeared visibly upset and admitted to having committed a terrible wrong.

Defence lawyer Sam Faulks highlighted Thompson’s remorse and health issues, noting that he suffers from heart disease. Faulks emphasized that Thompson had voluntarily attended the police station following the revelations and had provided a full and frank account of his actions. He also pointed out that Thompson’s wife and family had completely disowned him, and that he had been ostracized by the local community, suffering from criminal damage and social exclusion as a consequence of the allegations.

Judge Michael Taylor addressed the court, describing the crimes as “unpleasant,” “humiliating,” and “confusing” for the young victims. He emphasized that the court could not overlook such behavior, especially given the vulnerability of the children involved. The judge expressed regret that, due to Thompson’s health and personal circumstances, he could not impose a harsher sentence, but reaffirmed the importance of sending a clear message that such conduct would not be tolerated.

Thompson, whose addresses included North Street, The Market Place, Ferryhill, and formerly Plantation View, Howden-le-Wear, both in County Durham, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having contact with anyone under the age of 18, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, with two additional indecent assaults taken into consideration during sentencing.