LAWRENCE GOFFETT FROM AMBLE AND GATESHEAD SENTENCED FOR REPEATED SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the North East, Lawrence Goffett, a man with a troubling history of sexual offences, has been sentenced to an indefinite period behind bars following a series of heinous crimes involving minors. The 55-year-old, who has connections to both Amble and Gateshead, was found guilty of multiple sex offences committed after he deliberately violated court orders designed to protect children from his predatory behavior.

Goffett first attracted public attention in 2000 when he became one of the first individuals in the region to be subjected to a sex offender prevention order (Sopo). This groundbreaking legal measure was implemented after police uncovered that children had been visiting his residence in Amble, Northumberland, and after Goffett had previously been convicted of molesting a 13-year-old girl in 1996. The Sopo explicitly prohibited him from having any contact with minors, aiming to prevent further abuse.

Despite these restrictions, Goffett breached the order in 2001 by allowing a 16-year-old girl into his flat, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the court’s directives. His actions did not stop there. After relocating to Tyneside, Goffett ingratiated himself with local families, often befriending those with young children, all the while concealing his disturbing past. His grooming behavior escalated into actual abuse, as he targeted vulnerable youngsters for sexual exploitation.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that before his arrest in June of the previous year, Goffett had molested two schoolgirls and was actively grooming two additional minors. The victims ranged in age from six to 14 years old, highlighting the disturbing extent of his predatory conduct. Goffett admitted to four counts of sexual assault on children, two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, and violations of the Sopo order.

Judge David Wood addressed Goffett directly during sentencing, stating, “I have two reports about you, one from the probation service and one from the sex offender team, and unfortunately both of them say you pose a high risk of harm to children in the future.” The judge emphasized the severity of Goffett’s actions and the danger he continues to pose.

Consequently, Goffett was sentenced under the new dangerous offenders legislation to an indeterminate term of imprisonment. This means he will remain incarcerated until the parole board deems it safe for him to be released, a decision that could take at least two years. As part of his sentence, he is also required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and whereabouts. The case underscores the importance of strict legal measures in safeguarding children from repeat offenders like Goffett, whose actions have caused significant harm and distress to multiple victims and their families.