KURT MAY OF SUNDERLAND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN PENNYWELL AND SUNNISIDE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Sunderland community, Kurt May, a 23-year-old man from Pennywell, was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving underage girls.The incidents, which spanned over several months, revealed a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse that has left lasting scars on the victims and their families.
May’s criminal activities came to light after a series of incidents in 2017, during which he engaged in illegal sexual encounters with two schoolgirls.
The first victim, a teenage girl who was heavily intoxicated and described as 'falling all over the place,' was taken to May’s home in Pennywell.
While she was asleep, having fallen ill and vomited, May took advantage of her vulnerability and subjected her to sexual abuse.
Her mother, unaware of her daughter’s whereabouts, was frantic with worry and promptly reported her missing to the police.
Officers located the girl and safely returned her to her family.
While on bail for this initial offense, May’s predatory behavior continued.
He managed to persuade a second schoolgirl to engage in sexual acts by threatening to harm himself if she refused.
The second victim, also a teenager, explained that she went along with May’s demands in an effort to 'make him happy.' Both girls later testified that their experiences had profoundly affected their lives, impacting their relationships at home, at school, and with friends and partners.
The court heard how these traumatic events would likely influence their future interactions and emotional well-being.
May, who previously resided on Pitcairn Road in Pennywell, Sunderland, admitted to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
The severity of his actions was underscored during the sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, where Judge Amanda Rippon handed down a sentence of four and a half years in prison.
Additionally, May was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
During the proceedings, Judge Rippon detailed the circumstances of the first victim’s ordeal.
She explained that the girl, after being sick and falling asleep in May’s bedroom, woke up to find herself naked and sore, despite being fully clothed earlier.
The judge emphasized the concern of her mother, who had been actively searching for her and had reported her missing.
The police’s swift response and the girl’s safe return were highlighted as critical moments in the case.
Regarding the second victim, the judge described how May had exerted pressure on her, threatening self-harm if she did not comply with his demands.
The court acknowledged the bravery of the girls in coming forward and giving evidence, despite the trauma they endured.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Rippon addressed the families present, paying tribute to their daughters’ courage and resilience.
She expressed hope for their recovery and praised their strength in standing up against May’s manipulative tactics.
Earlier in 2017, May had also admitted to grooming and sexually abusing two other schoolgirls.
His history of violence and controlling behavior was evident, as he had groomed one girl over a three-month period when she was just 13 years old.
The sexual activities took place at a house in Pennywell, which was inhabited by an adult with learning disabilities and frequented by May.
The second girl was also groomed and was given alcohol, with allegations that May raped her.
However, the court accepted a plea of sexual activity with a child for her case.
Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that May had a disturbing online presence, where he expressed that he believed any girl over the age of 12 was 'fair game' for sexual acts.
His pattern of predatory behavior extended into public spaces such as Mowbray Park, Park Lane, the Riverside, and Sunniside, where he often mingled with underage teenagers and skaters.
May’s criminal record also includes an incident from the previous year, when he was convicted of affray and possession of a bladed article after threatening two men with a samurai sword, threatening to 'chop them up.' He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, and the sword was ordered to be destroyed.
The court’s actions reflect the seriousness with which the justice system has responded to his pattern of violent and predatory conduct in Sunderland.
