DOUGLAS RICHARDSON'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN CRAMLINGTON: VICTIMS BREAK SILENCE AFTER DECADES

In October 2017, the tragic news emerged that Douglas Richardson, a man from Cramlington, had died while serving time in prison. Richardson was convicted of multiple counts related to the sexual abuse of his young nieces and was scheduled for release just a week before his death. His criminal actions, which spanned several years, only came to light after decades of silence and suffering by his victims.

Back in January 2017, two sisters, Tracey and Donna Cunningham, bravely recounted their harrowing experiences of childhood abuse at the hands of their uncle, Douglas Richardson. The sisters, who were very young at the time, endured years of sexual assault at his hands within the confines of their family home in Cramlington. Their stories only surfaced after a chance encounter in a local supermarket, Asda, in Cramlington, where Tracey unexpectedly saw Richardson. This encounter, which occurred 40 years after the abuse, led to a violent confrontation and ultimately to her decision to report him to the authorities.

At the age of 59 and suffering from terminal illness, Richardson was found guilty last week of six counts of indecent assault on a child under 13. The sisters, who had kept their trauma hidden for so long, chose to waive their anonymity and speak publicly about the abuse inflicted by their uncle. Richardson, one of seven children, came from a seemingly close-knit family, but within that environment, he exploited his position of trust to abuse his young nieces. The abuse was prolonged, lasting for years, and Donna Cunningham described how she believed it was a normal part of family life, thinking that such behavior was commonplace.

Donna recounted that during the initial abuse, Richardson would carry them to bed, and she was only about four or five years old at the time. She explained that she never told anyone because he threatened her, saying, “you’re not allowed to tell anyone. If you tell anybody, you won’t be able to see your mum and dad again.” Donna was unaware that her sister Tracey was also being victimized. Tracey reflected on how, over time, she convinced herself that the abuse was a form of love, and she grew to believe that her other uncles did not love her because they did not behave as Richardson did.

Both sisters shared how the childhood trauma affected their adult lives. Tracey admitted she had never sought counseling, feeling overwhelmed by hatred and a desire not to forgive or forget. She described her ongoing struggles, including self-destructive behaviors like biting her teeth and tearing her nails, which she felt were manifestations of her internal pain. Despite their shared experiences, the sisters have never spoken in detail about what happened to each other, only recalling what was presented in court.

Tracey’s decision to report Richardson was triggered by a specific incident in a Northumberland supermarket. While at the returns counter in Asda, she heard Richardson’s voice and recognized him immediately. Overcome with emotion, she approached him, confronting him with a question about her childhood. When he failed to recognize her, she felt disgusted and assaulted him physically, knocking him to the ground. She told him, “that was for all the abuse all them years ago,” before he fled the store. This incident occurred on a Friday, and by the following Monday, Tracey had gone to the police to report him.

Her account of that day was detailed: she described feeling a sense of relief and happiness, dressing up and driving to Gateshead police station without informing anyone of her intentions. She provided a statement and later spoke with a CID officer, revealing the full extent of her trauma. She confided that she had never shared her story before, feeling a mixture of relief and emotional release. She sent a message to her family and daughter informing them of her decision to press charges, then turned off her phone, feeling a profound change within herself.

Richardson’s trial took place in November, where he was convicted of six counts of indecent assault but acquitted of more serious rape charges. The court sentenced him to three years in prison. Given his terminal cancer, his life expectancy was estimated at between 18 months and two years. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The sisters expressed a complex mix of emotions about the court proceedings. Tracey said, “To see him finally in court felt great. Yes I got upset, and I got upset with his barrister and the way they made him out to be this perfect person, but I had to see him get sent down. It made us feel sick to see him sat there smirking, but that was finally closure.”

Despite the pain and trauma, the sisters have shown remarkable resilience in sharing their stories, shedding light on the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice and acknowledgment for victims.