KENNETH THOMPSON'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE IN SOUTH SHIELDS LEAVES COMMUNITY OUTRAGED

In December 2006, a disturbing case involving allegations of child sexual abuse has sparked outrage among residents of South Shields. Kenneth Thompson, a 71-year-old man residing on John Williamson Street, became the focus of public and legal scrutiny after accusations surfaced that he had molested two young girls.

According to reports, the first incident came to light when a 13-year-old girl visited Thompson's home in August. During her visit, she confided in her parents that she had been subjected to inappropriate and indecent acts by Thompson. The police were promptly notified, and Thompson was arrested in connection with the allegations.

During police interviews, Thompson admitted to indecently assaulting the 13-year-old girl while his wife was away from the residence. Additionally, he confessed to molesting another girl, then aged 14, during the late 1990s. These admissions led to charges being brought against him, and he faced court proceedings in Newcastle Crown Court.

Thompson pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault—one relating to the recent incident involving the 13-year-old and the other concerning the earlier molestation of the 14-year-old girl. His sentencing took place shortly thereafter, where he was handed a three-year community order. As part of his sentence, Thompson is required to participate in a sex offender group work program, a measure aimed at addressing his behavior.

Furthermore, the court imposed restrictions on Thompson’s interactions, explicitly banning him from having any one-on-one contact with individuals under the age of 16. He is also mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of five years, a requirement that aims to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses.

Despite the court's decision, the reactions from the victims' families have been one of disappointment and anger. The father of the first victim expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I would have preferred him to get a custodial sentence to reflect the severity of what he’s done. I think they have let him off lightly because of his age.”

The mother of the most recent victim echoed these sentiments, voicing her disgust at the leniency shown. “I’m absolutely disgusted. He’s more or less walked free because of his age,” she said. She also shared her concerns about her daughter’s emotional well-being, revealing, “My daughter has not taken much heart from the sentence. She wants to know what will happen if she sees him walking around town. I have told her just to walk away.”

Prosecutor Tony Glover highlighted the impact on the young girl, noting that she has been profoundly affected by her ordeal. “Her mother says she has lost trust in people generally, particularly men. She has changed from a girl who was described as happy and good-natured and now manifests a good deal of anger,” he explained.

The case also touched on the older victim, now 21 and attending university, who has managed to move past her experience. However, the court case has reopened old wounds, reminding her of the trauma she endured.

Probation reports presented during the trial indicated that Thompson poses a low risk of reoffending, which influenced the court’s decision. Judge John Evans addressed Thompson directly, stating, “Having regard to the nature of these offences, it is open to the court to impose an immediate sentence of imprisonment. Were I to do so, it would be an extremely short one, and that would result in you being released in a very short time. You would be back in the community with your distorted thinking not yet addressed.”

As the community grapples with the implications of this case, many residents feel that justice has not been fully served, and concerns remain about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in South Shields.