TREVA MCCARTNEY SHOCKS BLAYDON WITH SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN TYNEDALE

In March 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Treva McCartney, a teaching assistant who carried out a series of heinous acts against young schoolgirls in the Tynedale area. The court proceedings revealed that McCartney, who was working at a school in Tynedale, had carefully groomed three young girls, aged between seven and eight, before subjecting them to sexual assault.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, it was detailed how McCartney exploited his position of trust to prey on two of his victims during private, one-on-one sessions. These encounters allowed him to take advantage of the girls being alone, during which he would engage in inappropriate physical contact, including slapping and squeezing their bottoms. One of the girls recounted how McCartney would manipulate her during break times, moving her towards a fence to hide his hands as he touched her bottom and slipped his hand between her thighs.

The court heard that McCartney’s vile conduct came to light when one of the girls confided in her older sister, revealing that she “liked him but wished he would stop touching her.” This disclosure prompted further investigation, leading to police searches of McCartney’s home. Authorities seized his computer, where they discovered indecent images of children, including nine classified as ‘category A,’ the most severe category of child abuse images.

Personal statements from the victims’ families painted a heartbreaking picture of the emotional toll inflicted by McCartney’s actions. The girls were unfairly blamed by some of their peers for getting McCartney into trouble, and they struggled with conflicting feelings of fondness and fear towards him. One mother expressed her devastation and guilt, feeling overwhelmed by the situation and the impact it had on her family.

Judge Amanda Rippon addressed McCartney directly during sentencing, emphasizing that “no-one should feel guilty but you,” and sentenced him to three years and six months in prison. She remarked on the betrayal of trust, stating, “You fooled everyone of course, because everyone trusted you. Those girls should have been completely safe in your care.”

McCartney, who was previously residing on Theresa Street in Blaydon, was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault following a trial. He had also admitted to possessing two counts of indecent images of children at an earlier hearing. The judge explained that the seven counts of sexual assault represented numerous instances of inappropriate touching over an extended period, highlighting the ongoing nature of his abuse.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that McCartney would flatter the girls, telling them they were beautiful and expressing his adoration for one of them. The abuse was uncovered after one girl confided in her sister, expressing her discomfort and wishing for the touching to stop. During police interviews, the girl described how McCartney would slap her bottom when they were alone and sometimes breathe heavily, as if in a state of excitement. Another victim had attempted to tell her mother about the abuse but struggled to find the words, initially believing McCartney’s actions were simply acts of kindness. It was only later, after learning of other complaints, that her mother understood the severity of the situation.

Overall, the case highlights the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse by trusted individuals within the community, leaving lasting scars on the young victims and their families.