Man Sentenced to Six Years for Indecent Assault of Child

A 49-year-old man, identified as Pearson from Ewe Hill Terrace, Houghton, has been sentenced to six years in prison for seven counts of indecent assault.

Pearson was found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year despite denying the charges. During the sentencing hearing, the victim, now an adult, addressed Pearson directly, stating: "I hate what you have done. I hate you."

She went on to tell the court that the abuse she suffered at Pearson's hands "will impact me for the rest of my life."

In his sentencing remarks, Mr Recorder Tony Hawks highlighted the devastating consequences of such offenses, stating that sex offenses against children cause "catastrophic psychological harm."

He further emphasized this point by acknowledging the victim's powerful personal statement, which detailed the profound impact the abuse has had on her life.

The court heard that Pearson was married at the time of the offenses and is a father. He has health problems and has never been to prison before. His defense attorney, Sue Hirst, highlighted Pearson's lack of prior convictions for similar offenses, except for one from many years ago.

Miss Hirst also emphasized Pearson's continued denial of the offenses and suggested that a custodial sentence would be particularly difficult for him.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lyndsey Allen commended the victim's bravery in coming forward and speaking out against her abuser.

"The victim has suffered the most awful abuse that no child should ever be subjected to," Allen said. "She has suffered so much physical and emotional abuse which lasted throughout her adult life and this case has allowed her to finally have a voice."

Allen expressed hope that the outcome of the case would provide the victim with a sense of closure and enable her to move forward with her life.

"She has been so incredibly brave throughout this case and I can't commend her enough for speaking out against Pearson, who took advantage of her vulnerabilities as a child," Allen concluded.