BRIAN O’NEIL, SEX OFFENDER IN COUNTY DURHAM, SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE

In June 2021, Brian O’Neil, a 66-year-old sex offender from Durham, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for abusing young girls over a period of more than thirty years. O’Neil, who frequently recorded his illegal activities, was described by the court as “a danger” to underage girls and was given an extended determinate sentence at Durham Crown Court.

This sentence requires him to serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole, though he may remain incarcerated for the full 21-year term. Upon release, O’Neil will be subjected to five years of extended licence supervision and will stay on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

The court heard details of the profound impact his crimes had on victims, including one who resorted to self-harm and suicide attempts due to the trauma.

O’Neil, formerly residing on Wharton Street, Coundon, pleaded guilty to rape and 20 other sexual offences, as well as voyeurism, during hearings in November and December of the previous year. However, he denied ten additional charges, which were ultimately convicted after a unanimous jury verdict following a three-day trial in April.

Judge Ray Singh, addressing O’Neil via video link from Durham Prison at the sentencing, stated, “There can be no criticism and no doubt you are a dangerous offender. There is a significant risk to members of the public of the commission of further specified offences. In your pre-sentence report, you did accept the majority of your offending. Your offending pattern, transcended over three decades, reflects a long-standing sexual interest in young children that needs to be addressed in future.”