GORDON HENZELL JAILED IN NEWCASTLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENS
Gordon Henzell, from Jesmond, Newcastle, was convicted of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls over a decade ago.The girls only reported the incidents after learning that he had been caught attempting to communicate sexually with a girl online through a paedophile hunting operation.
For years, the assaults, involving girls aged 13 and 14, remained hidden.
However, after reading a Facebook post about his sting operation arrest, they decided to come forward and report what had happened.
At Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that Henzell had grabbed a 13-year-old girl around the waist, kissed her neck, and tried to kiss her on the lips, telling her she was gorgeous.
The victim, described as 'horrified,' managed to escape.
In another incident, he grabbed a 14-year-old girl’s face and attempted to kiss her on the lips.
Following his arrest and questioning, Henzell, who previously had a conviction from 2020 for attempted sexual communication with a child, sent a message to his ex-wife within half an hour, seeking her help in covering his tracks.
His ex-wife became suspicious and reported his message to the police.
Henzell, aged 54 and residing on Osborne Road in Jesmond, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and perverting the course of justice.
He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, ordered to sign the sex offenders register, and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.
Henzell's previous conviction was for attempted sexual communication with a child.
Peter Byrne, defending, stated that Henzell’s risk of re-offending was low, citing a 'good chance of rehabilitation,' and noted that he had pleaded guilty.
Byrne also mentioned that Henzell would lose his accommodation due to his imprisonment.
