DALE EDWARDS SENTENCED IN COUNTY DURHAM FOR CHILD ABUSE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

A County Durham man, Dale Edwards of Wheatley Hill, was convicted of multiple serious offences involving child cruelty and sexual assault. Edwards, aged 29, was found to have regularly given children cannabis and, following an assault, infected a 10-year-old with chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease.

The offences occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Prosecutor Paul Cleasby explained that the crimes came to light after a child disclosed to a parent that Edwards had forced them to consume cannabis in a park and threatened them to prevent disclosure. Police became involved after speaking to the children, who revealed the abuse.

Subsequently, the same child, aged 10, told their parent about a sexual assault. Specialist police interviews confirmed the allegations, and tests showed the child had contracted chlamydia. Edwards was arrested following these revelations.

Edwards denied sexually assaulting the child but pleaded guilty to the charge two days into his trial at Durham Crown Court. He has a criminal record with 16 prior convictions for 35 offences, including theft, criminal damage, robbery, and attempted burglary, but no previous sexual offences.

During sentencing, defense lawyer Chris Baker highlighted Edwards' mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, and his history of self-harm, mentioning, "He does have some issues with mental health and he believes he has bipolar issues. He is, to some extent, vulnerable and self-harms. His arms are heavily marked as a result of this." Baker also stated, "He wishes to ensure that nothing like this happens again and apologizes to the complainants."

Judge Recorder Thomas Moran described the behavior as extraordinary, noting Edwards' repeated actions in making children consume cannabis over several weeks. Regarding the sexual assault, the judge said, "The child was medically examined and it was found they had the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, which added to the distress."

Edwards was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison, with an extended licence period of 12 months. He will be on the sex offender register for life and subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining order.