ARAN BLACK SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN HARLOW AND CHELMSFORD
| Red Rose Database
Harlow Child Sexual Abuser
In February 2012, a man named Aran Black, aged 39, was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being found guilty of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. Black, who resides in Gibson Court, Harlow, was convicted of possessing a vast collection of indecent images of children, including videos that depicted violence and bestiality. Despite admitting to possessing these illicit materials, he denied additional charges that accused him of sexual assault, compelling the young victim to watch sexual acts and engaging her in sexual activities herself.
His conviction was secured at Chelmsford Crown Court on a Friday, where Judge Anthony Goldstaub described Black as “unscrupulous” and “a clear and dangerous liar.” The court heard that Black’s criminal behavior extended beyond the possession of indecent images. Prosecutor Caroline Gardiner detailed how Black first attracted police attention through an online chatline, where a woman expressed concern over his disturbing comments. She recounted that Black had asked her to imagine being naked on a bed surrounded by cots filled with babies, and he made further sexual references during their conversation.
The woman, alarmed by the content of Black’s messages, recorded their exchange and obtained his phone number and address under the pretense of writing to him. Instead, she reported her concerns to the authorities. When police initially visited Black, he admitted to possessing 40 indecent images and had received a police caution for this prior offense.
The case took a more serious turn when the mother of a young girl contacted the Child Abuse Investigating Unit on August 12, 2009, after discovering an image of her daughter exposing her genital area. The girl later provided a detailed statement on December 31, 2010, revealing that Black had coerced her into taking a nude photograph with the promise of a gift and a visit to see Santa. The girl’s account confirmed that Black had instructed her to pose without clothes, further implicating him in the abuse.
Black’s defense lawyer, Craig Rush, argued that his client was “quite troubled psychologically” and unable to fully face the gravity of his actions. He contended that the offences did not warrant a harsher sentence. However, the judge dismissed these mitigation arguments, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against Black. “The jury has convicted you on evidence that was overwhelming on a number of very serious offences,” Judge Goldstaub stated. “It’s been a disturbing trial; you have plainly abused the girl and in this court called her a liar.”
Following the sentencing, Danielle Markoutsis, the officer in charge of the investigation, spoke about the case’s sensitive nature. She praised the bravery of the young victim for speaking out and urged others suffering abuse to come forward. Black’s background also includes an unsuccessful attempt to enter local politics; in 2008, he ran as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow Council in the Great Parndon ward, but did not win the election. His criminal activities have cast a long shadow over his personal and professional life, highlighting the serious consequences of such heinous conduct.
His conviction was secured at Chelmsford Crown Court on a Friday, where Judge Anthony Goldstaub described Black as “unscrupulous” and “a clear and dangerous liar.” The court heard that Black’s criminal behavior extended beyond the possession of indecent images. Prosecutor Caroline Gardiner detailed how Black first attracted police attention through an online chatline, where a woman expressed concern over his disturbing comments. She recounted that Black had asked her to imagine being naked on a bed surrounded by cots filled with babies, and he made further sexual references during their conversation.
The woman, alarmed by the content of Black’s messages, recorded their exchange and obtained his phone number and address under the pretense of writing to him. Instead, she reported her concerns to the authorities. When police initially visited Black, he admitted to possessing 40 indecent images and had received a police caution for this prior offense.
The case took a more serious turn when the mother of a young girl contacted the Child Abuse Investigating Unit on August 12, 2009, after discovering an image of her daughter exposing her genital area. The girl later provided a detailed statement on December 31, 2010, revealing that Black had coerced her into taking a nude photograph with the promise of a gift and a visit to see Santa. The girl’s account confirmed that Black had instructed her to pose without clothes, further implicating him in the abuse.
Black’s defense lawyer, Craig Rush, argued that his client was “quite troubled psychologically” and unable to fully face the gravity of his actions. He contended that the offences did not warrant a harsher sentence. However, the judge dismissed these mitigation arguments, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against Black. “The jury has convicted you on evidence that was overwhelming on a number of very serious offences,” Judge Goldstaub stated. “It’s been a disturbing trial; you have plainly abused the girl and in this court called her a liar.”
Following the sentencing, Danielle Markoutsis, the officer in charge of the investigation, spoke about the case’s sensitive nature. She praised the bravery of the young victim for speaking out and urged others suffering abuse to come forward. Black’s background also includes an unsuccessful attempt to enter local politics; in 2008, he ran as a Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow Council in the Great Parndon ward, but did not win the election. His criminal activities have cast a long shadow over his personal and professional life, highlighting the serious consequences of such heinous conduct.