DAVID ARMSTRONG FROM ASHINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL BLACKMAIL IN NEWBIGGIN BY THE SEA AND BLYTH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Ashington, Newbiggin by the Sea, and Blyth, David Armstrong, aged 24, was convicted and sentenced for his involvement in a series of malicious and predatory actions targeting young girls. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of harassment and coercion that spanned several months, during which Armstrong relentlessly pursued two juvenile victims, attempting to manipulate them into sending him semi-naked photographs.

According to court records, Armstrong, who resides on Park Road in Ashington, engaged in a campaign of intimidation through explicit text messages and threats. Despite the girls pleading with him to cease his actions and warning that they would inform their parents, Armstrong persisted in his harassment. Newcastle Crown Court heard that he continued to threaten the victims, even after they expressed their fear and discomfort.

Judge Guy Whitburn, presiding over the case, described the incident as one of the most severe of its kind he had encountered. He sentenced Armstrong to 21 months in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Armstrong pleaded guilty to two counts of intentionally causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, with the offences occurring between April and November of the previous year.

The court was informed that Armstrong had made threats to post compromising images of the girls on Facebook, falsely claiming they were his to intimidate them further. Prosecutor Anne Richardson stated, “One of the victims said it made her feel uncomfortable and nervous and quite scared because he was older and she knew it was wrong.”

Further details revealed that Armstrong had previously purchased underwear for his partner, which did not fit, and then approached the girls with offers of the clothing. The court heard that the girls were subjected to a barrage of text messages, with one victim recounting how Armstrong gave her a mere ten minutes to send a photograph of herself. When she questioned his motives, he responded coldly, “you have done nowt wrong. I just want a pic. I always get what I want,” and then continued to pressure her with increasingly urgent messages.

Armstrong later admitted to police that his actions stemmed from boredom and loneliness, acknowledging that he should not have sent the messages. His defense lawyer, Michael Hedley, emphasized that no physical contact or direct contact of any kind occurred, stating, “It’s a case where while it is horrific and awful, there has been no touching, no contact. He admits that he was totally wrong.”

Judge Whitburn dismissed Armstrong’s claim that the initial message, which included a picture of himself, was sent accidentally. The judge emphasized the severity of Armstrong’s actions, stating, “You sent a whole series of wholly inappropriate text messages. The escalation was extremely difficult for the children – for that’s what they are – to accept or cope with. What you were doing was blackmailing both of the children. You were putting enormous pressure on young and impressionable girls.”

Following the sentencing, Armstrong was released from custody but was observed using addresses in Newbiggin by the Sea and Blyth, raising concerns about his ongoing presence in the community. The case highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable young individuals and the importance of strict legal action against predators like Armstrong.