BRAIN HANLEY FROM BILLINGHAM AND REDCAR SENTENCED FOR SEVEN-YEAR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN TEESSIDE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Billingham and Redcar, Brian Hanley, aged 55, has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for a prolonged and deeply disturbing pattern of sexual abuse against a young girl spanning seven years. The abuse began when the victim was just nine years old and continued until she was sixteen, leaving her with lifelong scars.

Hanley, who was employed as an electrician at Holme House Prison in Stockton at the time, used his position and access to manipulate and terrorize the young girl. Court proceedings revealed that he not only assaulted her physically but also engaged in psychological torment, including leaving notes for her to find, which added to her trauma. The victim, now a married woman, disclosed her suffering to her husband in May of the previous year, finally revealing the extent of her ordeal that had persisted since 1996.

Prosecutor Sarah Mallett detailed to Teesside Crown Court that the abuse had lasted for seven years, a period during which the victim endured significant emotional and mental distress. She shared that she had contemplated suicide multiple times during her teenage years, overwhelmed by the trauma inflicted upon her. Despite these dark thoughts, she made the conscious decision not to harm herself, fearing the impact it would have on her children.

In a poignant statement read aloud in court, the woman described the profound and lasting effects of the abuse. She recounted how the trauma had severely affected her mental health, leading her to question her self-worth and blame herself for what happened. She revealed that she had developed obsessive behaviors, such as pulling out her eyelashes and hair, and that she remains wary of men due to the psychological manipulation and blackmail she endured. The victim expressed her feelings of betrayal and loss, stating, “I feel that my life in any sense is ruined and changed because of dark memories. I feel cheated out of my childhood.” She also disclosed that she continues to receive counseling and is on anti-depressants to help her cope with nightly sleep disturbances.

Hanley’s guilty plea came after he confessed to his crimes during an interview on May 27 of the previous year. His defense attorney, Andrew Turton, highlighted that Hanley had no prior convictions and had shown remorse by entering early guilty pleas. The judge, Howard Crowson, acknowledged Hanley’s apparent remorse and expressed hope that he would receive appropriate treatment during his incarceration and support upon release, particularly as a sex offender.

As part of his sentencing, Hanley, formerly residing on Stockton Street in Billingham and more recently on Newcommen Court in Redcar, was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison. Additionally, he was handed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order and ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He is also permanently barred from having any contact with girls under the age of 16.

Hanley faced multiple charges, including eight counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court accepted his guilty pleas to these charges. However, he maintained his innocence on other charges, including one count of indecent assault and an attempted rape, to which he pleaded not guilty. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.