ANTONY MCNAMARA SENTENCED IN COUNTY DURHAM FOR SEVEN-YEAR ABUSE REVELATIONS
A man convicted of sexually abusing a minor in County Durham has received a 13-year prison sentence.Antony McNamara groomed and raped the young girl, and a judge described him as a "child molester." The 46-year-old offender left the vulnerable victim feeling "haunted" by his actions, battling suicidal thoughts as a result.
McNamara appeared via video link from HMP Durham at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced on charges including four counts of rape, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, assault by penetration, and sexual activity with a child.
He had previously pleaded guilty to these offences.
Prosecutor Stephen Littlewood stated that during the abuse, the girl would feel "numb" and "empty." He also revealed that McNamara had told the victim he would be "locked up" if she told anyone about the abuse.
Initially, McNamara was arrested and denied the allegations.
However, he changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was scheduled to start.
In a statement, the victim described the abuse as "emotional, physical, and sexual" and expressed feeling "haunted" by McNamara, noting that she had contemplated suicide, lost confidence, and felt overwhelmed.
Defense lawyer Caroline McGurk claimed that McNamara had no previous convictions and expressed remorse, stating, "He describes his behaviour as terrible and disgusting and is angry with himself.
He acknowledges he was at fault." She added that McNamara understood his actions had caused mental suffering and that he felt suicidal when remanded into custody.
The court noted that McNamara was working towards an Open University degree in Ancient History while incarcerated.
Judge Dafydd Enoch KC sentenced McNamara to 13 years in prison, branding him a "child molester" and highlighting that the abuse ultimately involved the rape of the victim.
McNamara, who resides in Manor Park, East London, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, he was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order.
