JOHN REGAN BISHOP AUCKLAND PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN COUNTY DURHAM

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bishop Auckland and the wider County Durham area, John Regan, a man now aged 66, has been handed a severe prison sentence of 24 years after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls during the 1970s. The court proceedings, held at Durham Crown Court, revealed the disturbing details of Regan’s crimes, which spanned over a period of years and involved multiple counts of sexual abuse.

Regan, who was working as a farm labourer at the time, was found guilty on all 11 counts he faced, following a trial that concluded on November 30. The charges included four counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault, and three counts of indecency with a child. The victims, both girls aged between 10 and 14 during the time of the offenses, provided compelling testimony that led to his conviction. Some of the charges were specific incidents, while others were categorized as “specimen” counts, representing a series of similar acts committed over the years.

During the trial, the jury unanimously returned guilty verdicts on all charges, a decision that underscored the severity of Regan’s actions. The court heard that the abuse took place in the early to mid-1970s, a period during which Regan’s actions had long-lasting impacts on the victims’ lives. The court was told that Regan denied all charges, but the evidence presented was overwhelming.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Simon Hickey addressed the court and the victims, who were present behind screens to shield their identities. Regan was connected via video link from Durham Prison, which prevented him from seeing the victims and vice versa. The judge read out victim impact statements, which painted a harrowing picture of the trauma inflicted upon the women. One victim described her attempt to run away from home and her struggles with mental health, including an attempt to take her own life, as a direct result of the abuse. Both women had to relive their painful experiences during the court proceedings.

Judge Hickey emphasized that although Regan had been of good character prior to his conviction, the nature of his crimes warranted a significant sentence. He pointed out that in cases involving sexual offenses, the courts often note that perpetrators could have admitted guilt many years earlier, potentially avoiding such severe punishment. The judge also highlighted that Regan had threatened one of the girls at the time, warning her that he would kill her and her family if she reported the abuse, which contributed to her silence for decades. The other victim was also told not to speak out, with Regan allegedly telling her that it was to be their “special secret.”

In total, the sentences for the two victims amounted to 24 years, with 13 years for the offenses involving one girl and 11 for the other. These sentences were ordered to run consecutively, reflecting the gravity and duration of the abuse. The court also considered the possibility of an extended license period upon Regan’s release, which would keep him under supervision for 14 years after serving his prison term. Given his age, the court decided that imposing a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was unnecessary, but Regan will be placed on the barring list, preventing him from working or engaging in hobbies that involve contact with young people in the future.

Once a respected gym club coach, John Regan’s reputation has been irrevocably tarnished by his crimes. His case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting scars inflicted by sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, regardless of the passage of time.