JOHN PLEWS FROM REDCAR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL

In a case that has spanned over a decade, John Plews, a resident of Redcar, was finally brought to justice after confessing to a series of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The revelations emerged in January 2015 during a court hearing at Teeside Crown Court, where Plews, aged 53, admitted to multiple counts of sexual misconduct, including rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child.

According to court reports, Plews’s confession was prompted by his own feelings of overwhelming guilt and mental health struggles. He disclosed to a mental health worker, and subsequently to police, that he had committed these crimes more than ten years prior. His admission was a pivotal moment that led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution. The court heard that Plews’s actions had remained hidden for years, with the victim, whose identity remains protected by law, never revealing her suffering until now. She had kept her trauma to herself, believing that no one would believe her or take her seriously.

Prosecutor Richard Bennett detailed the disturbing nature of the offences, describing a pattern of escalating sexual abuse that ultimately culminated in rape. The victim, now an adult, testified that she had tried to suppress her memories of the abuse for years. However, Plews’s confession forced her to confront her past, bringing back painful recollections. In her statement, she explained how Plews manipulated her during the abuse, which resulted in her losing confidence, self-esteem, and trust in others. Her testimony highlighted the profound and lasting impact that the abuse had on her emotional well-being and her ability to form healthy relationships.

During the court proceedings, Plews, who resides on Hill Crescent in Redcar, pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and one count of rape — these being his first known offences. His defense attorney, Peter Wishlade, described Plews as a remorseful individual overwhelmed by guilt. Wishlade emphasized that Plews could have continued living without facing justice but chose instead to admit his wrongdoings, acknowledging the reprehensibility of his actions and his inability to cope with the remorse.

Judge Peter Armstrong acknowledged the significance of Plews’s remorse and honesty, stating that the case might never have come to light if not for his genuine regret. The judge also pointed out that the victim was particularly vulnerable during the time of the abuse. As a result, Plews was sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he was issued an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having contact with girls under the age of 16. Plews will also be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Earlier, in December 2014, Plews had voluntarily surrendered himself to police, confessing to a series of sexual offences against a young girl. During that hearing, he admitted to six counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and one count of rape, all committed more than ten years prior. Judge Howard Crowson, who presided over the case, decided to adjourn sentencing until January 5, allowing time for a pre-sentence report to assess Plews’s personal circumstances and the risk of re-offending. The judge also granted Plews bail, citing his cooperation and attendance at court, with the warning that failure to appear again would result in immediate arrest and custody. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offences and the importance of thorough assessment before final sentencing.