TONY ALLISON, THE DANGEROUS CHILD SEX PREDATOR FROM EASINGTON COLLIERY, JAILED IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Easington Colliery, County Durham, Tony Allison, a 41-year-old man, has been sentenced to a total of eight years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The court heard how Allison exploited the anonymity of the internet to target vulnerable victims, engaging in disturbing acts that have left a lasting impact on those involved.

Allison’s criminal activities came to light when he used a webcam to record himself performing sexual acts, which he then shared with the young girls he had groomed online. One of his victims was persuaded to send him a revealing photograph of her breasts, further demonstrating the manipulative tactics he employed to exploit their innocence. The court was told that Allison’s grooming extended beyond online interactions, as he attempted to arrange a physical meeting with one of the victims, a teenage girl. However, the meeting never materialized because she failed to show up, thwarting his plans for further abuse.

During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, the prosecution presented evidence that Allison had committed five counts of indecency with a child, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one charge related to arranging or facilitating a child sex offence. Prosecutor Christine Egerton emphasized that Allison had systematically groomed the girls, gaining their trust by lying about his age and manipulating their perceptions of him. The court was also informed of Allison’s prior convictions for possessing indecent images, which underscored his history of sexual misconduct.

Defense lawyer Paul Cross acknowledged that some of Allison’s offenses dated back to 2003 and earlier, describing his behavior as a pattern from a specific period in his life. Cross expressed regret that he could not argue for Allison’s reformation, indicating the seriousness of his crimes and the danger he posed.

Judge Tony Briggs delivered the sentence, describing Allison as “sexually obsessed” with contacting young girls via the internet. The judge concurred with a report that labeled him a significant danger to children and a high risk of causing further sexual harm. Addressing Allison directly, the judge stated, “You admitted that you are a devious and manipulative man who is prepared to be quite unpleasant to get what he wants.”

He further explained that both victims believed Allison was younger than he was and that he targeted them because of their age, persuading them to witness his sexual activities or to participate in them. The judge regarded Allison’s attempt to have sex with a second victim as a serious escalation of his offending, highlighting the increasing severity of his actions.

As a result, Judge Briggs sentenced Allison to five years in prison, with an extended three-year period, totaling eight years. Additionally, Allison is required to report his whereabouts to the police indefinitely and is subject to a sexual offences prevention order, aimed at preventing any future harm and monitoring his activities closely.