LEE ARCHER AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DURHAM AND TEESSIDE
Lee Archer, a notorious sex offender with a disturbing history of abusing young boys and girls, has been remanded back into prison after a disturbing incident involving a three-year-old girl in Durham.The 59-year-old, who was previously living under a sexual harm prevention order, found himself in legal trouble once again after his actions raised serious concerns about his ongoing risk to children.
The events leading to Archer’s latest conviction began when he befriended a woman visiting her brother in Stockton.
She regularly visited her brother at Archer’s sheltered accommodation, and over time, Archer and the woman developed a closer relationship.
During their interactions, Archer, who had a long and troubling history of sexual offenses, reportedly told her that he 'hated children.' Despite this, within a few months, Archer was seen visiting her residence and even performing various chores for her.
The woman’s brother became involved in a financial arrangement with Archer, agreeing to give him 800 pounds so Archer could purchase a car.
The plan was for the brother to handle the vehicle’s taxation and insurance, while Archer would provide him with lifts to different locations.
However, this seemingly innocent arrangement took a darker turn by September 2022.
Records indicate that by this time, Archer had been driving the woman, her brother, and her three-year-old granddaughter to Morrisons supermarket located at Teesside Park.
Court proceedings revealed that Archer interacted with the young girl on four separate occasions during these trips, including engaging in a game of catch with her.
The court heard that Archer’s behavior was inappropriate and unsettling, raising alarm among the authorities.
In December, police visited the woman and informed her of Archer’s status as a registered sex offender.
His license conditions explicitly forbade him from contacting or communicating with any individual under the age of 16.
This breach was a direct violation of the restrictions meant to protect vulnerable children from predators.
The woman expressed her regret and stated that she was 'shocked, and angry with herself for putting her granddaughter at risk.' Archer subsequently pleaded guilty to breaching his sexual harm prevention order.
His criminal history is extensive: he first began abusing children in 1989, and he has spent several years behind bars due to his offenses.
In 2011, Archer was imprisoned for engaging in sexual activity with a young girl and indecently assaulting a boy.
His troubling pattern of abuse persisted, with a 2016 conviction for sexually assaulting another boy under the age of 13.
In 2020, Archer received an additional two-year sentence after violating his strict sexual harm prevention order.
On that occasion, he had befriended a family he met at his allotment, claiming that their daughter was a 'little heartbreaker.' Police investigations unearthed photos of the girl from Facebook on his phone, further illustrating his predatory behavior toward minors.
During sentencing, the court considered Archer’s history and the severity of his breaches.
Prosecutors highlighted that Archer had not initially known the woman would bring her granddaughter along for lifts, and that he was never left unsupervised with her.
Nevertheless, the court was clear that Archer’s actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of children.
Judge Timothy Stead addressed Archer directly, stating, 'It’s quite clear that you are an incorrigible sex offender towards children.
You befriended a woman—if she’d known about your past, I doubt she would have given you the time of day, let alone befriended you.
These breaches created a risk of very serious harm.' As a result, Archer was sentenced to a prison term of two years and eight months, reflecting the court’s determination to prevent further harm and to protect children from his continued predatory tendencies in the Durham area.
