ERIC STODDART SENTENCED IN BARNARD CASTLE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In April 2008, a man named Eric Stoddart from Barnard Castle faced the consequences of his past crimes when he was sentenced to serve eight years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses. The case drew significant attention, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also due to the long delay in justice being served.

One of the victims, a woman who was sexually assaulted as a schoolgirl, expressed her relief upon hearing the verdict. Due to legal restrictions, she cannot be publicly identified, but her emotional response underscores the impact of the case. She voiced her frustration that her initial report to the police nine years prior had not resulted in an investigation at that time. Despite her feelings of disappointment, she praised the police for their thorough and diligent investigation once the case was reopened.

Eric Stoddart, aged 49 and residing on King Street in Barnard Castle, was convicted in November of the previous year. His convictions included three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor in 2006, as well as charges of rape, indecency with a child, and indecent assault dating back to 1986 and 1987. The sentencing hearing took place at Teesside Crown Court, where prosecutor Shaun Dodds revealed that the first victim was only 13 years old when the initial offenses, including rape, occurred.

The woman, now in her twenties at the time she reported the crimes, recounted her experience to The Northern Echo. She expressed her satisfaction that justice was finally being served, stating, “I’m just pleased it’s all over with. I just wish something had been done when I first reported it, because I feel it could have been done then. But I’m very happy with the way the police have investigated it. They have been very, very good and haven’t left any stone unturned, so I take my hat off to them. For years and years I thought he had got away with it.”

The second set of offenses, committed 19 years after the first, involved a 12-year-old girl. The girl confided in her teacher, who then informed her parents. This led to a police investigation into Stoddart, who has one adult son. During the proceedings, defense attorney Anne Richardson highlighted the challenges of sentencing after such a long period, noting, “One of the difficulties that faces this case is that you are sentencing after such a long time. If the case had been properly investigated by the police, one doesn’t know what the outcome would then have been.”

Judge George Moorhouse addressed Stoddart directly, stating, “You subjected these girls to giving evidence in court and, through your plea, you also accused them of making it all up, but you were found guilty by the jury.” Throughout the sentencing, Stoddart remained motionless. As part of his punishment, he will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

The victim who spoke out about her ordeal shared her ongoing emotional journey. She reflected, “People look at me and say I’m the victim in all this, but I can see the broader picture. It affects your family, friends, and work colleagues — a whole network. It has been hard, but for the past ten years I’ve had a good job and I’ve managed to forget about him. I thought, rather than just dwell on him, get your life sorted and get on with it.”