AUBREY BANISTER SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SHERBURN HILL AND GATESHEAD

A man identified as Aubrey Banister has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences. The crimes, which include rape and indecent assault, were committed at various locations during the late 1990s, with the details only coming to light after the victim, now an adult woman, chose to report the incidents to authorities earlier this year.

According to court proceedings, the victim, who is now an adult, had been suffering from persistent psychological trauma, including flashbacks and difficulties forming intimate relationships. Her distress became overwhelming when she broke down in front of her boyfriend, prompting her to finally disclose the abuse she endured. The court heard that the assaults took place at different sites, including a campsite at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire and a hotel room at the Swallow Hotel in Gateshead.

Prosecutor Anne Richardson detailed that Banister, aged 50 and residing on Kell Crescent in Sherburn Hill near Durham, committed these offences without using any form of protection. The court was informed that Banister admitted to two counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault, acknowledging his guilt.

During the hearing, defense lawyer Katherine Dunn explained that Banister’s actions occurred shortly after he separated from his partner. She described him as someone struggling to cope, living in squalid conditions, and possibly experiencing a mental breakdown at the time. Dunn emphasized that Banister was unable to comprehend why he committed these acts and was still trying to come to terms with his actions, even after many years. She also noted that he had pleaded guilty and was aware that he faced a significant prison sentence.

Judge Neil Davey QC addressed Banister directly, stating, “You have pleaded guilty to these offences, but I am afraid the mitigation stops there. You treated this child as a sexual partner and did not even take the precaution of wearing a condom. Both types of offending, rape and indecent assault, took place more than once.”

The judge further explained that had the case gone to trial, the sentence could have been as high as 16 years. However, considering Banister’s guilty pleas, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with the court giving him full credit for his cooperation.

In addition to his prison sentence, Banister is now subject to an indefinite ban from working with children and is required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.