JOHN CORNWELL PRISON WORKER FROM DARLINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN TEESSIDE
In a case that has shocked the community of Darlington and the surrounding areas, John Cornwell, a 53-year-old former prison support officer, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young girls.The conviction was handed down at Teesside Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of his crimes, some of which date back to the 1990s, and the profound impact they have had on his victims.
John Cornwell, who resided on West Auckland Road in Darlington, was found guilty of four counts of sexual and indecent assault, as well as two charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
The court's proceedings revealed that Cornwell maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that one of his accusers had encouraged others to make false allegations against him.
Despite his protests, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure his conviction.
During the trial, two of the girls testified that Cornwell had watched adult films in their presence, and one described an incident where he allegedly lifted his genitals up and down while in their company.
Cornwell admitted to viewing hardcore pornography but insisted that this was a solitary activity that took place some time ago.
The court also heard that he had previously evaded investigations into sex crimes on two occasions when the girls were persuaded not to report the incidents to the police.
Judge George Moorhouse, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Cornwell’s actions and the lasting trauma inflicted upon his victims.
He sentenced Cornwell to six years in prison, emphasizing that the length of the sentence was secondary to the gravity of the offences.
Additionally, Cornwell was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity.
Following his conviction, Cornwell was dismissed from his role as a support officer at Northallerton Young Offenders’ Institution in North Yorkshire.
The judge also issued a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO), which bans Cornwell from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 16.
Judge Moorhouse remarked, “It is quite clear from the victims’ statements that untold misery has been caused.
The effect will no doubt remain in their minds.” Earlier in May 2013, Cornwell faced similar charges and was found guilty of ten counts out of thirteen, with the court hearing that some allegations dated back over two decades.
During the nine-day trial, the jury was presented with evidence supporting the victims’ claims, including the discovery of pornographic videos at Cornwell’s home during a police search.
Cornwell claimed that the deleted footage from his computer was the result of an innocent software installation, denying any deliberate attempt to conceal evidence.
Prosecutor Richard Bennett highlighted that Cornwell had previously avoided investigations into sex crimes when the girls were persuaded not to report the incidents.
The police investigation, which culminated in the March 2013 search, uncovered material that supported the victims’ allegations.
Despite being cleared of two sexual assault charges, Cornwell was convicted on multiple counts, and his sentencing is scheduled for the following month, with authorities warning that a lengthy prison term is expected.
