JAMES WEDDERBURN FROM MILLFIELD, SUNDERLAND, SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AFTER 20 YEARS

In a case that spanned over two decades, a woman has finally come forward to reveal the sexual abuse she endured as a young girl, perpetrated by James Wedderburn, who is now 59 years old. The victim, who was a child at the time, recounted that Wedderburn, a resident of St Mark's Road in Millfield, Sunderland, engaged in inappropriate and indecent acts with her on multiple occasions.

According to the court proceedings, Robin Patton, the prosecutor, detailed that the abuse took place in various locations, including Wedderburn's Sunderland home and a caravan in Yorkshire. The woman, now an adult and a mother herself, explained that she visited Wedderburn's family during her childhood, which provided the context for the abuse. She expressed that her decision to come forward was driven not by a desire for revenge but by a strong sense of responsibility to prevent other young girls from suffering similar trauma.

During the hearing at Durham Crown Court, it was revealed that the incidents occurred approximately 20 years ago. The victim was unsure of the exact dates but remembered that she was in junior school at the time. Her testimony shed light on the long-lasting impact of the abuse, which she carried into adulthood.

Wedderburn faced multiple charges, including three counts of indecency with a child under 14 and one count of gross indecency. In his defense, John Evans argued that Wedderburn was suffering from mental health issues at the time of the offenses and has since received treatment for similar conditions. Evans emphasized that there was no evidence of Wedderburn abusing other children and that no other complainants had come forward.

He also pointed out that the young girl was not coerced or threatened into participating in any acts, nor was she offered any inducements such as sweets. The court was assured that her participation was voluntary and that no undue pressure was applied.

Judge Richard Lowden sentenced Wedderburn to a three-year community rehabilitation order. As part of the sentence, Wedderburn is required to participate in the Probation Service's sex offender treatment program. The judge acknowledged the victim's commendable attitude, noting that she was primarily motivated by a desire to protect others.

Furthermore, Wedderburn was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. The judge remarked that Wedderburn is likely to respond positively to therapeutic intervention, and he emphasized that prison would not serve the best interest of rehabilitation unless a longer custodial sentence was imposed, which was not deemed necessary in this case.