LEE NORRIS FROM CARLISLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN PRESTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Carlisle, a local music teacher named Lee Norris has been sentenced to serve two and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of a young pupil. Norris, aged 27 and residing on Holmacres Drive in Harraby, was found guilty of multiple charges related to his inappropriate conduct towards a 13-year-old boy.

He operates the Harmony House School of Music, located on Spencer Street in Carlisle, where the abuse took place. The court proceedings took place at Preston Crown Court, where the Honourable Mr. Justice David Clarke delivered the sentence. During the hearing, the judge emphasized that Norris had exploited the trust placed in him by his young victim for his own sexual gratification.

The court was informed that the abuse involved Norris repeatedly cuddling, kissing, and fondling the boy at his business premises, which were initially located on Rome Street, as well as at other locations. The victim, whose identity is protected by law, was only 13 years old at the time of the incidents. Norris had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a minor and one count of engaging in sexual activity in front of the boy. Notably, a charge of attempted rape was dropped during the proceedings.

Following his guilty plea in June, Norris faced sentencing, and the court heard from the boy’s parents, who described the profound impact the abuse had on their son. They revealed that the young boy was suffering from sleep disturbances and was still undergoing counselling. The boy’s father expressed his anguish, stating, “No other family should have to go through what we have been through. It has been an awful time, and we could not have survived it without the help of the police.”

The repercussions of the abuse extended beyond emotional trauma. The boy’s education was severely affected, as he struggled to concentrate and lost interest in pursuing a career in music, a passion he once loved. His parents also noted that the incident had a negative impact on his GCSE exams, which was hardly surprising given the circumstances. Despite his love for music, the experience has left a lasting scar, and he continues to require counselling to cope with the trauma.