STUART JAMESON CONSETT CHILD RAPE CASE SHOCKS NORTH EAST

In December 2018, Stuart Jameson, a 53-year-old former steelworker from Priestman Avenue in Consett, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl. The court proceedings revealed that Jameson had sexually abused the child on numerous occasions, causing profound and lasting trauma to the victim.

Durham Crown Court heard that Jameson’s criminal actions included eight separate offences. These encompassed the rape of the young girl on several occasions, the creation of an indecent image of a child, and inciting sexual activity. Additionally, he was found guilty of another count involving incitement of sexual activity with a different victim, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

The court was informed that the impact of Jameson’s crimes had been devastating for the victim, who described how her childhood had been stolen from her as a result of his actions. The emotional and psychological scars inflicted by the abuse were emphasized during the trial, highlighting the severity of the case.

Jameson’s legal representative, David Callan, described his client as a man who had previously been a hard worker and of good character. He noted that Jameson had lost his job at a steel foundry, which added context to his background, but this did little to mitigate the gravity of his crimes.

Judge Jonathan Carroll sentenced Jameson to serve a minimum of 9 years in prison, with the remaining nine years to be served on licence. The judge expressed his condemnation of Jameson’s actions, stating, “The impact you have had has been utterly, utterly devastating. You accept no responsibility and have shown no remorse.”

Following the sentencing, Jameson was led away to begin his prison term. In a poignant moment, Judge Carroll addressed the victim in the public gallery, offering her heartfelt sympathy and acknowledging the distress caused by the case. The judge described the proceedings as “a very distressing case,” underscoring the seriousness of the crimes committed by Stuart Jameson in Consett.