Hartlepool Man Sentenced to Over 5 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

A man named Alan Craigs has been found guilty and received a prison sentence for the sexual abuse of two children. The 61-year-old, who formerly lived in Hartlepool and now resides at Hawkstead Court in Newton Aycliffe, was sentenced to a total of five years and five months after he admitted to multiple sexual offenses involving minors during his trial. The court was informed that Craigs had made only minimal admissions about having a sexual interest in children, including confiding in his general practitioner, but he initially denied the charges until just before the jury was sworn in. During a victim impact statement, a parent described the severe effects on their child, saying: "They have experienced depression, suicidal thoughts, and have self-harmed. Hearing my child say they don’t want to live anymore, that they have contemplated jumping off a bridge onto train tracks, is heartbreaking." The parent also condemned Craigs’ actions as those of a 'weak, disgusting predator who targeted two young children,' criticizing his earlier refusal to accept guilt and calling him a 'coward.' The court heard that Craigs pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault on a child and one charge of engaging in sexual activity in front of a minor. Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a notification requirement order, similar to being registered as a sex offender. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King commented that after initial denials and attempts to hide his crimes, further investigations revealed additional victims, prompting Craigs to change his plea. During sentencing, the judge, Recorder Aisha Wadoodi, considered the full scope of his misconduct. The court’s decision also aimed to bring some comfort to those affected, with an official stating, “I hope today’s sentence offers some relief to the children and their families impacted by his actions.” Authorities reaffirmed their resolve to identify and prosecute individuals who derive gratification from abusing minors.