FRANK STOTT FROM ELLINGTON SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In a case that has shocked the community of Ellington and the wider Northumberland area, Frank Stott, aged 44, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 21 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse committed by Stott, who targeted two innocent girls, one just 12 years old and the other only eight, over a span of several years.

Stott, who previously resided on Tweed Avenue in Ellington, was arrested last April on suspicions of engaging in sexual acts with a girl aged 12, with allegations dating back to between June 2005 and June 2008. During the investigation, detectives uncovered additional allegations that Stott had assaulted an eight-year-old girl between January 2011 and April 2012. These revelations painted a grim picture of a man who had repeatedly preyed on vulnerable children over an extended period.

In December, Stott admitted to four counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing such images, further highlighting the extent of his criminal behavior. His background includes a notable military career; he served with the Coldstream Guards, trained with the SAS, and saw active service in Iraq, spanning more than two decades. Despite his military service, his actions post-service have brought him to justice.

At the time of his arrest, Stott was employed as a range instructor at Defence Training Estate Otterburn. It was during this period that the jury heard he had taken one of his victims for sexual activity, adding a layer of betrayal given his role in training military personnel. Following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, Stott was convicted on multiple counts, including six charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16 between June 2005 and June 2008, and ten counts of raping a child under 13 years old between January 2011 and April 2012.

The court also found him guilty of attempting to rape a child under 13, two counts of assaulting a child under 13, and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. These convictions underscore the severity of his crimes and the impact on his young victims.

Detective Constable Gaynor Gould from Northumbria Police’s Rape Investigation Team expressed her appreciation for the bravery of the victims, stating, “I would like to pay tribute to the two young victims whose courage and strength has helped to bring this dangerous man to justice. This has been a very difficult time for the two victims and their families, and I hope that the sentence imposed today will help them to move on positively with their lives. Rape is a hugely traumatic experience, and I want people to know that help is always available.”

Superintendent Gillian Mitchell also commented on the case, emphasizing the police’s commitment to community safety and victim support. She said, “We welcome the sentences. I want to reassure the community that the Rape Investigation Team, together with our neighbourhood teams, work closely with partners to help prevent these sorts of crimes and support any victims of sexual abuse.”

Stott’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable members of society from predatory individuals.