THOMAS EBDON SENTENCED IN COCKFIELD FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the small village of Cockfield, Thomas Daniel Ebdon, an 18-year-old resident of Mostyn Terrace, was found guilty of engaging in multiple sexual activities with a young girl, despite warnings and legal restrictions. The incident, which took place in early 2014, highlights the disturbing exploitation of a vulnerable minor by someone who was supposed to be a peer.

According to court records, Ebdon initially came under police scrutiny after allegations surfaced that he had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with the girl. Although he was arrested and subsequently released on bail with strict instructions to avoid any contact with her, he defied these warnings. Just days after his release, Ebdon was involved in another sexual encounter with the same girl, prompting his re-arrest. Since mid-February, he has remained in custody as the legal proceedings unfolded.

During a plea hearing held at Durham Crown Court in April, Ebdon admitted to five counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of consent, all occurring within the first six weeks of 2014. In addition, he pleaded guilty to two counts of child abduction, which involved meeting the girl and her friend, and to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice by falsely implying that another youth had tried to have sex with the girl. Despite his previous good character, the court was told that his actions demonstrated a clear pattern of exploitation.

Judge Christopher Prince sentenced Ebdon to a total of five years and four months in a young offenders’ institution. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl, noting that her willingness to engage in sexual activity was a sign of her innocence and susceptibility. "You described her as a willing partner," Judge Prince stated. "You took advantage of that vulnerability, taking her to a remote area to engage in sexual activity. Then, having been arrested, one would have thought you would have avoided her at all costs. You did not, and days later, you engaged in further sexual activity with her."

Prosecutor Dan Cordey provided further details, explaining that Ebdon, who was older than the other teenagers he met at a recreation area, had purchased alcohol to share with the girls. The first sexual encounter reportedly occurred in a polytunnel on an allotment during a cold winter evening. Despite being issued a fixed penalty notice warning him not to supply alcohol to minors and to stay away from the girl, Ebdon continued his inappropriate conduct. The court heard that he met the girl again behind an old building, where further sexual activity took place.

Defending Ebdon, solicitor Anne Richardson described him as immature for his age and suggested that his claim about another youth having sex with the girl was an attempt to shift blame rather than an honest account. She presented several character references, emphasizing that Ebdon was not representative of the person known in Cockfield before these events. "This is not the Thomas Ebdon known in Cockfield," she stated. "These events have shocked and rocked that village to the core."

As part of his sentence, Ebdon will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s stance on protecting minors from exploitation.