ALEC CALVERT FROM BISHOP AUCKLAND SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

Alec Calvert, a man from Bishop Auckland, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 24 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving children. The case came to light in March 2024 when one of his victims, demonstrating remarkable bravery, disclosed the abuse she had endured. Her detailed account prompted immediate action from law enforcement authorities.

On the very same day she came forward, police officers swiftly executed an arrest at Calvert’s residence in Bishop Auckland. The victim’s statement revealed that Calvert had subjected her to repeated sexual touching over a period spanning from when she was 8 years old until she reached 14. She described a pattern of abuse that left her traumatized, and her courage in speaking out was instrumental in initiating the investigation.

In the following month, another individual came forward, revealing that he had also been subjected to sexual touching and rape by Calvert. This second victim further disclosed that Calvert had taken explicit photographs of him while he was naked, adding a disturbing dimension to the case. Law enforcement officers responded by conducting a thorough search of Calvert’s home, during which they seized several electronic devices for forensic analysis.

Specialist officers from Durham Constabulary’s Digital Intelligence and Investigation Team examined the seized devices and uncovered a disturbing collection of indecent images of children stored on Calvert’s mobile phone. These findings provided concrete evidence of his involvement in the possession of child exploitation material. Calvert was subsequently interviewed by police, during which he was bailed under strict conditions that prohibited any contact with minors.

Despite these restrictions, Calvert flagrantly violated the bail conditions. He was found in a near-naked state inside his car, parked in an abandoned docks area, with a child present. This breach of bail conditions led to his immediate re-arrest and further charges.

Calvert faced a series of serious allegations, including rape, assault on a child by touching, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, engaging in sexual communication with a child, making indecent photographs of a child, and possession of extreme pornography. Although he initially denied the charges, the case proceeded to trial, and in January, a jury unanimously found him guilty on all 11 counts.

His sentencing took place at Durham Crown Court, where he was formally sentenced to 24 years in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, Calvert will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed, which has no time limit and explicitly prohibits him from ever contacting or approaching anyone under the age of 18. The order also restricts his future use of the internet and other communication channels.

Furthermore, restraining orders were issued to prevent Calvert from attempting to contact or approach any of his three victims, ensuring their ongoing safety and peace of mind. Detective Gary Tinker, a safeguarding officer involved in the case, described Calvert as a controlling and dangerous serial sex offender who poses a significant risk to children. Tinker emphasized that Calvert showed no remorse and continued offending even while under investigation for similar crimes.

Expressing appreciation for the victims’ bravery, Detective Tinker highlighted the importance of their courage in securing justice. He also commended the collaborative efforts of various support agencies and the Crown Prosecution Service, which played a vital role in protecting vulnerable victims and ensuring that Calvert was held accountable for his actions.