ARON MCMULLEN FROM FENHAM SENTENCED TO LIFE BEHIND BARS FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEWCASTLE

In a case that has shocked the community of Fenham and the wider Newcastle area, Aron McMullen, aged 36, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term after being found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving minors. The court heard how McMullen subjected two children to years of sexual abuse, including grooming, rape, and other forms of sexual assault, causing lasting trauma to his victims.

The proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court revealed that McMullen’s crimes spanned several years, during which he exploited the innocence of a young girl under the age of 11 and a teenage boy. The abuse of the girl was brought to light when she confided in a family member about the inappropriate acts committed against her. This revelation prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of McMullen’s depravity.

Further details emerged when the teenage boy, who was victimized by McMullen starting in 2006, disclosed his suffering. He confided in a friend via a message on his phone, which read: “He raped me when I was younger, don’t say owt.” This message prompted police to delve deeper into the case. The boy explained that McMullen initially groomed him by offering what he called “sex education,” but this soon turned into a pattern of sexual abuse and rape. The assaults occurred while McMullen watched pornography, and the abuse continued until the boy reached the age of 18.

During the trial, Penny Moreland, the prosecutor, detailed the charges against McMullen, which included four counts of sexual assault of a child and five counts of rape. McMullen pleaded guilty to all charges, acknowledging his guilt for the crimes committed against both victims.

Defending McMullen, solicitor Peter Schofield, highlighted the defendant’s troubled background, describing a history of severe abuse during his own childhood, which included physical and verbal abuse, as well as being sold for sex. Schofield argued that McMullen’s own traumatic experiences contributed to his descent into a life of exploitation and criminality, including involvement in sex work.

Judge John Milford sentenced McMullen to an indefinite sentence for public protection, with a minimum term of seven years before he could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized that McMullen is considered a dangerous offender and must remain incarcerated until a parole board determines he no longer poses a threat to the public. Additionally, McMullen was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

In his remarks, Judge Milford expressed hope that McMullen’s time in prison would allow for professional intervention to address his sexual issues and reduce the risk of re-offending. The judge stated, “I’m satisfied that you are a dangerous offender and the only sentence that is appropriate is imprisonment for public protection. I hope that during your sentence, your sexual problems will be addressed by professionals so the risk of re-offending is reduced.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Carol Dowson, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of McMullen’s victims. She stated, “The victims have been extremely brave throughout this investigation, and I hope the sentence passed by the court enables them to get some closure and move forward with their lives.” She also urged others who have suffered similar abuse to come forward, assuring them of support and justice.

McMullen’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators lurking within communities like Fenham and across Newcastle.