KEVIN AMBLER SHOCKS DURHAM AND SUNDERLAND WITH SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND THEFT JUST HOURS AFTER RELEASE

In a disturbing series of events that unfolded in Durham City and Sunderland, Kevin Ambler, a man with a troubling criminal history, was swiftly re-arrested shortly after being released from Durham Prison. His brief taste of freedom on September 2 turned into a nightmare for innocent victims, as he committed multiple indecent assaults and thefts within a matter of hours.

According to court reports, Ambler, who was released from Durham Prison after serving time for previous offenses, chose to spend his first hours outside the prison walls in a state of intoxication rather than securing accommodation with his subsistence or 'gate money.' Instead, he embarked on a reckless drinking spree that would soon lead to a series of alarming incidents in the city center.

As Ambler exited a pub in Durham City, he approached a 12-year-old girl on the street and subjected her to an inappropriate groping, leaving her visibly distressed and shaken. The assault was witnessed by passersby and reported to authorities. Following this, Ambler made his way to Starbuck’s coffee shop located on Framwelgate Bridge, where he committed another sexual misconduct by pinching the bottom of a woman in her 30s who was waiting in line.

Prosecutor Chris Baker detailed that when a staff member confronted Ambler about his behavior, he responded by leaving the premises with a small bag of cheese and onion crisps, costing just 90p. Outside, Ambler continued to behave abusively, shouting at pedestrians and causing a disturbance. His drunken state was evident, and during his arrest, he persisted in being aggressive and was observed exposing himself to police officers in the custody suite.

Ambler, who appeared extremely intoxicated during the incident, refused to respond during police interviews but later admitted to two counts of sexual assault and one theft charge during a previous court hearing. His criminal record reveals a history of serious offenses, including two prison sentences—30 months and four years—for sexual assaults on underage girls. Since 1998, his legal issues have been limited to incidents of drunkenness and shoplifting, for which he served short prison terms prior to his latest offenses.

Originally from Ryhope, Sunderland, Ambler, now aged 43, was held in custody for over three months until a suitable vacancy at a bail hostel was available, just before Christmas. His bail was granted on the condition that he adhered to the rules of the hostel, and a report on his compliance was presented at his sentencing hearing on January 10.

During the hearing, Julie Clemitson, representing Ambler, argued that because he is already subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender, there was no need for a further sexual offences prevention order. However, Recorder Sophie Drake emphasized the seriousness of his actions, stating, “You came out of prison with nowhere to live and you should have been addressing that instead of going binge drinking. These were unpleasant experiences for those involved, and it’s worrying you don’t see them as sexual offences, because they really are.”

As part of her sentencing, Recorder Drake imposed a three-year community supervision order, which includes intensive participation in a program aimed at addressing sex offending behaviors. Ambler was also ordered to reside at accommodation directed by the Probation Service, pay a statutory surcharge of £60, and was reminded of the importance of complying with all conditions set forth by the authorities.

In a related incident from November 2013, Ambler was brought before the court after being released from prison for shoplifting offenses. Within hours of his release, he committed two sexual assaults—one on a 12-year-old girl near The Gates shopping center in Durham City and another on a woman at Starbuck’s on Framwelgate Bridge. Witnesses and CCTV footage confirmed his involvement in these crimes, which led to his immediate re-arrest.

During a plea hearing on November 13, Ambler, then 42 and formerly residing on Attlee Grove and Brewer Terrace in Ryhope, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, including one on a minor, and theft of the crisps. He denied additional charges of public exposure and causing a disturbance, which the Crown indicated they would pursue separately.

Judge Christopher Prince, who presided over the case, ordered background reports from the Probation Service and scheduled sentencing for December 6. He also reminded Ambler that his obligation to register as a sex offender would be determined based on the length of his upcoming sentence, which underscores the gravity of his repeated offenses and the ongoing legal consequences he faces.