FRANK MURPHY AND GEORGINA NICHOL CONSETT AND MOORSIDE CHILD SEX ABUSE SCANDAL REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Consett and Moorside, a man named Frank Murphy, aged 49, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse. Murphy, who previously worked as a foster carer, was found guilty of grooming and indecently assaulting a young boy, leading to his imprisonment. The case has also implicated Georgina Nichol, 30, of Bridgehill, Consett, who was involved in the abuse and received a community order.

Murphy's criminal history is marred by allegations dating back to the 1990s, when he was removed from the foster care register following similar accusations involving other minors. Despite these past allegations, Murphy was acquitted at Newcastle Crown Court in 1992 of charges related to two boys. However, his past did not deter his continued involvement in activities that put children at risk.

It was only after a detailed investigation by Durham Police's child protection unit that Murphy was finally brought to justice. The investigation was triggered by the courageous disclosure of a 14-year-old boy who revealed that Murphy had been grooming him over several months around Easter 2004. The abuse was said to have occurred over an extended period, with Murphy exploiting his relationship with the boy to commit multiple acts of indecency.

Following the investigation, Murphy was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault on the teenage victim. Last week, at Durham Crown Court, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. In addition to his incarceration, Murphy was issued a Sexual Prevention Order that prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with children or working with minors in any capacity. Upon his release, he will be subject to a five-year license and will be monitored under a joint police and probation scheme for community safety.

Murphy's partner, Georgina Nichol, also faced charges related to the abuse. She admitted to one count of indecently assaulting the same boy and was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation order. She will also be registered as a sex offender for five years, ensuring ongoing supervision and monitoring.

The abuse was uncovered after a lengthy, year-long inquiry by Durham Police, which was prompted by the victim's bravery in coming forward. Detective Sergeant Keith Gilfillan of the Durham Police child protection unit described Murphy as a manipulative offender who had carefully groomed the young boy before assaulting him. Gilfillan emphasized that Murphy's removal from the foster care register in the 1990s was a necessary step, but his subsequent actions demonstrated the importance of ongoing vigilance.

Following his de-registration, Murphy worked as a laborer on local building sites in the area. His criminal activities have now been brought to an end, and he is no longer a threat to children in the community. Durham County Council's Head of Safeguarding, Gail Hopper, confirmed that Murphy was de-registered as a foster carer as soon as allegations surfaced in the 1990s, but the recent case underscores the persistent dangers posed by individuals with a history of abuse.