GARETH DAVIES FROM THORNABY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has shocked the community of Thornaby and the wider Teesside area, Gareth Davies, a 29-year-old man, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The disturbing case came to public attention when a young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, left a heartfelt note for her mother, revealing that she had been subjected to abuse by Davies.

According to the court proceedings held at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, the girl’s distress was so profound that she was unable to provide a detailed account of the abuse she endured. However, her note was enough to trigger a police investigation that uncovered further disturbing details. Prosecutor Rosalind Scott Bell explained that Davies had engaged in inappropriate touching and kissing of the girl, actions that left her deeply traumatized.

The revelations did not stop there. The police also uncovered evidence that Davies had assaulted a younger boy, adding to the gravity of his crimes. During police interviews, Davies, who is described as having “borderline intellectual functioning,” fully admitted to the offences, providing what the court described as the most compelling evidence against him. Miss Scott Bell emphasized that Davies was aware of his wrongdoing, stating, “He knew that he shouldn’t have touched her. He knew that he should have left her alone,” and that he expressed deep remorse for his actions.

It was also revealed that the girl had physically reacted to Davies’ inappropriate advances, slapping him across the face when he attempted to touch her on one occasion. The court was informed that Davies also admitted to touching the younger boy, further confirming his guilt.

Gareth Davies, of Trent Avenue in Thornaby, pleaded guilty to a total of seven charges, which included two counts of indecent assault, four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child. His guilty plea was seen as a significant factor in the sentencing process.

During the hearing, his defense lawyer, Andrew Turton, highlighted Davies’ previously good character, supported by two references, and discussed the repercussions he faced following his convictions. These included losing his employment, social exclusion, and the impact on his family. A psychiatric report was presented, which clarified that Davies was not classified as learning disabled but did have “borderline intellectual functioning,” which could influence his decision-making and understanding.

Mr. Turton emphasized Davies’ remorse, stating, “He indicates he is extremely ashamed about his behaviour, extremely remorseful and he deeply regrets his actions.” He also noted that Davies had been assessed at school as having special educational needs and had experienced physical and emotional difficulties during his life.

In sentencing, Recorder William Lowe QC acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but also took into account Davies’ cooperation with authorities. The judge remarked, “I rather doubt you would have been prosecuted had you not admitted the offences, but that does not make them any less serious.” As a result, Davies was sentenced to one year in prison.

Furthermore, Davies was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18. He will also be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community of Thornaby and the wider Teesside area.