LEE MOODY FROM REDCAR SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF CHILD IN TEESSIDE COURT

In a harrowing case that unfolded at Teesside Crown Court, Lee Moody, a 38-year-old resident of Redcar, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young child. The trial, which lasted five days, revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that spanned several years, leaving the victim traumatized and the community shaken.

Moody, who appeared in court with a balding head and wearing spectacles, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. His reaction to the jury's verdict was one of anger and defiance; he slammed his chair and shook his head as the guilty verdicts were read. The jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault against the child, following a detailed presentation of evidence that the judge described as both compelling and troubling.

During the sentencing, Recorder Bernard Gateshill, QC, emphasized the severity of Moody’s actions, describing them as a “sustained campaign of abuse.” The judge also ordered Moody to be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, dismissing any possibility of further reports or assessments that might delay his sentence. Moody was sentenced to 13 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the gravity of his crimes.

Throughout the sentencing hearing, Moody repeatedly interrupted the judge, denying the allegations and claiming, “no I didn’t,” when informed of the systematic nature of his abuse. When the judge suggested that Moody might have believed the child would not report the abuse or that their claims would not be believed, Moody responded defiantly, “There was nothing to report.”

Legal representatives for Moody, including Deborah Sherwin, acknowledged that while there was no evidence of threats or intimidation to prevent the child from speaking out, there was an element of “intimidation and coercion” involved in the abuse.

The court was also informed that the police were alerted after the child confided in friends at school, who then reported the matter to teachers. This information led to the investigation and subsequent conviction of Moody, who had been living in Redcar at the time of the offenses. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the importance of vigilance and support for victims of abuse.