ALAN PALIN FROM SURBITON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SUNDERLAND

In June 2008, a man who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl and subsequently went on the run from police was ultimately spared prison time. Alan Palin, from Surbiton, assaulted the girl at his former residence in Silksworth, Sunderland, in May of the previous year.

Newcastle Crown Court learned that before police could arrest and question him, Palin fled the scene. It wasn't until two months later that officers located him at an address on Newell Road, Surbiton. On the day he was due to stand trial earlier this year, Palin admitted to the sexual assault.

The court was also told that Palin’s absence had a profound and damaging impact on his young victim. Prosecutor Amanda Rippon explained, “When police had difficulty in tracking the defendant down she was living on her nerves. When he was arrested she had been upset, angry and had mood swings which varied from day to day. In particular, in the two weeks leading up to the trial, she needed constant reassurance she was believed. She will have been extremely relieved not to have had to come and give evidence in court.”

Judge Beatrice Bolton addressed the court, expressing hope that the girl could now move past her trauma. Palin was sentenced to a three-year community order, including sex offender rehabilitation group work. Additionally, he was made subject to a sexual offences prevention order prohibiting contact with anyone under 16 for five years, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the same period.

The judge commented to Palin, “You were so cowardly you ran away.” While acknowledging that the public might expect a prison sentence in cases like this, Judge Bolton said her “hands were tied” by existing sentencing rules. She explained, “If I imposed a short custodial sentence Palin would then be released without any supervision, which I feel is crucial.” She added, “He escapes the punishment element the public would ordinarily expect, my hands are completely tied. There are no provisions for supervision after a short custodial sentence.”