SEAHAM MAN CARL TODNER SENTENCED FOR SEX-ATTACK SPREE IN SOUTH TYNESIDE AND SUNDERLAND

In a disturbing series of events that unfolded across the North East, Carl Todner, a 27-year-old resident of Seaham, has been sentenced to four years in prison for a series of sexual assault crimes committed during a single day in South Tyneside. The case, which was heard at Newcastle Crown Court, revealed a troubling pattern of predatory behavior that shocked the local communities of Jarrow and Sunderland.

Initially perceived as a seemingly ordinary man—a happy, working father with a long-term partner and a promising future—Todner’s true nature was exposed following the breakdown of his relationship. It was during this period of personal turmoil that he began secretly prowling the streets in his silver car, targeting lone women and girls for sexual gratification. His actions, which spanned a single day in March, involved approaching and assaulting multiple victims, some as young as 11 years old.

The court heard that Todner’s criminal activities extended beyond physical assaults. When police apprehended him, they uncovered evidence that he had been posing as an underage girl online, attempting to lure teenagers into illegal sexual conversations. Additionally, investigators found a collection of indecent images of minors stored on his devices. Todner claimed that his descent into viewing online pornography was a consequence of smoking cannabis following his separation from his partner, a justification that the court did not find sufficient to mitigate his actions.

Remarkably, this was not Todner’s first encounter with law enforcement. In November of the previous year, he had received only a police caution after being caught performing a sex act while sitting in his car in a busy shopping district in Newcastle. Despite this warning, he soon embarked on his violent spree, which culminated in a series of terrifying attacks on women and girls walking alone in Jarrow and Sunderland.

The youngest victim was just 11 years old, highlighting the severity and depravity of his crimes. The court was told that on March 9, a woman walking home after a night out in Jarrow was assaulted after being grabbed from behind and pinned to the ground while crossing a footbridge from the Scotch Estate to Low Simonside. Less than two weeks later, on March 23, Todner targeted eight women, including a teenage dog-walker, whom he approached as she headed to a park. On March 25, he attacked a 14-year-old girl in Jarrow, again grabbing her from behind and forcing her to the ground.

Police investigations utilized CCTV footage from a passing bus, which helped identify Todner’s vehicle and led to his arrest. He subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, indecent exposure, and possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

During the sentencing, Judge Deborah Sherwin emphasized the gravity of Todner’s offenses. She ordered him to sign the sex offenders’ register and adhere to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for the rest of his life. The judge remarked on the timing of the attacks, which mostly occurred late at night or in the early hours, when victims were most vulnerable. She noted that Todner’s actions appeared to be driven by his personal circumstances, stating, “Things fell apart following separation from your partner, and went downhill.”

Prosecutor Julian Smith detailed the extent of the crimes, stating that five women and girls had been physically assaulted, while others were approached and propositioned, with some victims exposed to Todner’s indecent behavior. Defense lawyer Tom Moran acknowledged the rarity of such cases involving strangers, highlighting that Todner was previously perceived as a normal individual with a stable life, including a well-paid job and a partner with a child. Moran added that Todner was now seeking help to address his issues, indicating a recognition of his wrongdoing and a desire to change.

As the court proceedings concluded, the community of Seaham and the surrounding areas were left to grapple with the unsettling reality of how someone they knew could commit such heinous acts. Todner’s case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking behind seemingly ordinary facades, and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of society.