JOHN GRIFFITHS SENTENCED IN GILESGATE DURHAM FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

In July 2018, a Durham man named John Griffiths was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls in the Gilesgate area. The case drew significant attention due to the defendant's unusual defense strategy, which involved claiming that the forensic evidence linking him to the crimes had been deliberately planted by the girls' parents.

Griffiths, aged 31 and residing on Fir Avenue in Gilesgate, Durham, insisted during his trial at Durham Crown Court that the DNA samples recovered from the victims' clothing were not his own but had been intentionally placed there by the girls' parents. He argued that this was part of a sophisticated conspiracy aimed at framing him so that the parents could secure compensation. His defense suggested that the entire case was based on fabricated evidence, and he maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Despite Griffiths' claims, the jury deliberated over five days before reaching a unanimous verdict. They found him guilty on two counts of sexual assault, confirming that the evidence presented during the trial was compelling enough to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court then adjourned for a month to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, which would inform the sentencing decision.

During the sentencing hearing, the court was informed that Griffiths continued to deny any responsibility for the assaults, which had taken place in October of the previous year. His legal representative, Jamie Adams, stated that there was little more to add given the manner in which the trial had been conducted. The presiding judge, Judge Prince, expressed his disapproval of Griffiths' defense, particularly the suggestion of a conspiracy against the victims' family.

Judge Prince emphasized the impact of the crimes, noting that the offences had profoundly affected both young girls and, to a lesser extent, their parents. He remarked on the seriousness of the case, especially given the nature of the allegations and the defendant's denial of guilt. The judge highlighted that the jury's verdict confirmed the truthfulness of the girls' parents, who had been subjected to false accusations of lying.

In light of the severity of the crimes, Judge Prince sentenced Griffiths to a total of ten years in prison. Additionally, he ordered that Griffiths be registered as a sex offender for life and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which would prohibit him from contacting or approaching the victims or their family members until further notice. A restraining order was also issued, explicitly forbidding Griffiths from attempting to contact the girls or their parents, ensuring their safety and peace of mind moving forward.