SUSAN GARBUTT SENTENCED IN SOUTH HETTON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING MINORS

In November 2003, a woman from South Hetton was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with two young boys. Susan Garbutt, aged 48 at the time, became the focus of a serious criminal investigation following disturbing allegations that surfaced within her community.

According to court proceedings, Garbutt admitted to having sexual encounters with two boys, one aged approximately 12 and the other around 14. She disclosed to police that she had engaged in sexual acts with the older boy on as many as eight occasions, and on one separate occasion, she had sex with the younger boy. The incidents reportedly occurred over a period, with Garbutt revealing that alcohol and medication were involved during these encounters.

The revelation of her misconduct was triggered when a teacher overheard the older boy boasting about his relationship with Garbutt to his classmates at school. This overheard conversation prompted further investigation, leading to Garbutt’s questioning by authorities. Initially, she denied the allegations, but under further interrogation, she fully confessed to the offenses.

Prosecutor Alex Burns stated that Garbutt told police she had been drinking and taking tablets during each of the sexual encounters, which she claimed happened seven or eight times with the older boy. She also expressed feelings of despair, telling officers that she felt like ending her life after the allegations came to light.

During the court hearing, Jane Waugh, representing Garbutt, highlighted her client’s previously good character and mentioned that she had been suffering from an undiagnosed mental health condition. Waugh also noted that Garbutt had previously attempted to take her own life, emphasizing her remorse and confusion over her actions. She expressed that Garbutt was deeply disgusted with herself and unable to comprehend why she had committed such acts.

Garbutt, residing at Grasmere Terrace in South Hetton, County Durham, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault. Judge Richard Lowden, presiding over the case, sentenced her to two years in prison and ordered her to sign the sex offenders’ register for ten years. In his remarks, the judge condemned her actions, stating that her conduct had left the young boys confused and that such violations of trust and innocence are profoundly serious. He emphasized that children, regardless of gender, have the right to grow up free from adult interference and exploitation.

Judge Lowden’s ruling underscored the gravity of the offenses and the importance of protecting minors from sexual abuse, especially by individuals who are supposed to be role models and caretakers. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and intervention in safeguarding vulnerable children within communities like South Hetton.