Targeted two young children when he befriended their mother and abused them both at their home and on a trip.

Former Police Officer Sentenced to 29 Years for Child Sex Offenses

Philip Magson, a former Cleveland Police officer, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison for multiple sexual offenses against children. The 61-year-old was convicted of six charges after targeting two young children, befriending their mother, and abusing them both at their home and on a trip to Kirkleatham Gardens.

Magson's depravity extended beyond these offenses. He was also found to have prowled the streets of Thornaby, where he made a sexually explicit remark to a child who fell while roller skating. Eight months later, he sexually assaulted another young girl in the same area.

The court heard that Magson had a previous conviction in the early 1980s for sexually assaulting young girls while off duty as a police officer. The severity of his recent crimes left his victims suffering from high levels of anxiety, according to prosecutor Jonathan Walker.

In powerful victim impact statements, the parents of the victims described the pain and suffering inflicted on their children. Magson, formerly from Teesside but currently of no fixed abode, was found guilty at trial earlier this year.

During sentencing, Judge Howard Crowson stated, "You are a man with a deviant sexual interest in children. You are a dangerous offender, persistent and cunning." Magson was sentenced to 21 years in prison with an extended eight years on license after his release.

In addition to his prison sentence, Magson was made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign on the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable Carl Middleton of Cleveland Police's Public Protection Unit said, "The actions of Magson are unforgivable and the sentence handed to him today highlights the severity of the crimes he has committed. Magson targeted children, and the damage he has caused to the victims and their families is inexcusable."

"I would like to praise the victims and their families for their courage throughout this ordeal and the court process. No child should have to provide evidence at court after becoming victim to such a cruel crime. Magson deserves to spend a significant time in prison as a result of what he has done."