77-Year-Old Alec Calvert Jailed for 24 Years for Child Abuse Offences

A 77-year-old pensioner, Alec Calvert, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for multiple offenses against three child victims.

Calvert, from Northbridge Park in St Helen Auckland, County Durham, was found guilty of seven counts of sexual assault, one count each of rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, and attempted sexual assault. He also admitted to two counts of making indecent images of a child and one count of possessing extreme pornography.

During his trial, Calvert denied all allegations, claiming the victims had fabricated the stories. However, a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all 11 counts after nine days of deliberation.

The court heard that Calvert groomed an older girl by buying her alcohol, persuading her to send him intimate images, and driving her to secluded locations for sexual assault. He was arrested last summer in a disused docks area with the girl nearly naked in his car.

Impact statements from all three victims were read aloud, detailing the lasting emotional trauma they have endured as a result of Calvert's actions. One victim expressed her ongoing struggle to trust older men and her fear of encountering him in public.

Judge Nathan Adams described Calvert's crimes as "repeat offending over a number of years demonstrating the defendant’s 'paedophilic proclivities for his own sexual gratification'." He imposed consecutive sentences totaling 24 years, with Calvert required to serve at least two-thirds (16 years) before being eligible for parole.

The judge added that Calvert may have to serve the full 24 years and will be subject to a two-year licence extension upon release.