LUKE OVINGTON FROM NEWTON AYCLIFFE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DURHAM
| Red Rose Database
Newton Aycliffe Sexual Abuser
In July 2023, a disturbing case emerged involving a man from Newton Aycliffe named Luke Ovington, who engaged in inappropriate and sexualized communication with a young girl aged just 12 years old. The incident drew significant attention from the authorities and the court, highlighting the dangers of online interactions between adults and minors.
According to court reports, Ovington, who was in his mid-20s at the time, developed what was described as an 'unnatural attraction' towards the young girl. The girl, who was initially confused and disturbed by the unsolicited messages she received, believed that the sender was only slightly older than herself. The messages ranged from friendly exchanges to increasingly bizarre and unsettling requests, including pleas for her to send him intimate images of herself. At one point, Ovington explicitly begged her to send photographs, which she eventually did after some initial hesitation, sending pictures of herself in shorts and another in front of a mirror, with her face concealed.
Ovington’s disturbing behavior escalated as he expressed a desire to be her 'boyfriend' and explicitly told her he wanted to have sex with her. He also mentioned wanting to go on long drives with her, further emphasizing his inappropriate intentions. The case came to light after the girl’s phone was confiscated, and her mother, while the girl was on a charge, noticed numerous notifications on her device. Upon examining the phone, the mother discovered the messages, which shocked her and prompted her to contact authorities. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she also engaged with Ovington, indicating her awareness of her daughter’s age.
Ovington was subsequently traced and arrested. During police questioning, he chose not to respond to questions in an interview. The 26-year-old, residing at Linden Place in Newton Aycliffe, later admitted to a charge of engaging in sexual communication with a child during his first court appearance last month. His case was brought before Durham Crown Court, where he faced sentencing.
At the sentencing hearing held on Friday, July 14, the court heard a victim impact statement from the girl. She described her fear of leaving her home at one point, worried that the person messaging her might know her whereabouts. She expressed shock upon discovering Ovington’s true age and stated that she would not have responded to his messages had she known how old he was. The girl also revealed that she has since been diagnosed with an eating disorder, which she attributed to the stress and worry caused by the incident. She added that she has become more cautious when using social media platforms.
During the proceedings, the court was informed about Ovington’s admitted heavy cocaine use, which may have contributed to his disinhibited behavior. His solicitor, Mr. Davis, mentioned that Ovington’s mother has been supporting him through his recovery process.
Judge James Adkin addressed Ovington directly, condemning his actions and the nature of the messages he sent. The judge described the messages as 'truly horrible' and emphasized that no 12-year-old girl should ever have to receive such communications from an adult. He pointed out that Ovington’s 'unnatural attraction' and disinhibition, possibly linked to his drug use, were deeply troubling.
In sentencing, Judge Adkin acknowledged the seriousness of the offense. While he considered the possibility of immediate imprisonment for messaging a child asking for sex, he ultimately decided that Ovington could be managed within the community. He imposed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with the condition that during the first year, Ovington must participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities organized by the Probation Service. The court’s decision reflects a balance between punishment and the potential for rehabilitation, given the circumstances.
According to court reports, Ovington, who was in his mid-20s at the time, developed what was described as an 'unnatural attraction' towards the young girl. The girl, who was initially confused and disturbed by the unsolicited messages she received, believed that the sender was only slightly older than herself. The messages ranged from friendly exchanges to increasingly bizarre and unsettling requests, including pleas for her to send him intimate images of herself. At one point, Ovington explicitly begged her to send photographs, which she eventually did after some initial hesitation, sending pictures of herself in shorts and another in front of a mirror, with her face concealed.
Ovington’s disturbing behavior escalated as he expressed a desire to be her 'boyfriend' and explicitly told her he wanted to have sex with her. He also mentioned wanting to go on long drives with her, further emphasizing his inappropriate intentions. The case came to light after the girl’s phone was confiscated, and her mother, while the girl was on a charge, noticed numerous notifications on her device. Upon examining the phone, the mother discovered the messages, which shocked her and prompted her to contact authorities. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she also engaged with Ovington, indicating her awareness of her daughter’s age.
Ovington was subsequently traced and arrested. During police questioning, he chose not to respond to questions in an interview. The 26-year-old, residing at Linden Place in Newton Aycliffe, later admitted to a charge of engaging in sexual communication with a child during his first court appearance last month. His case was brought before Durham Crown Court, where he faced sentencing.
At the sentencing hearing held on Friday, July 14, the court heard a victim impact statement from the girl. She described her fear of leaving her home at one point, worried that the person messaging her might know her whereabouts. She expressed shock upon discovering Ovington’s true age and stated that she would not have responded to his messages had she known how old he was. The girl also revealed that she has since been diagnosed with an eating disorder, which she attributed to the stress and worry caused by the incident. She added that she has become more cautious when using social media platforms.
During the proceedings, the court was informed about Ovington’s admitted heavy cocaine use, which may have contributed to his disinhibited behavior. His solicitor, Mr. Davis, mentioned that Ovington’s mother has been supporting him through his recovery process.
Judge James Adkin addressed Ovington directly, condemning his actions and the nature of the messages he sent. The judge described the messages as 'truly horrible' and emphasized that no 12-year-old girl should ever have to receive such communications from an adult. He pointed out that Ovington’s 'unnatural attraction' and disinhibition, possibly linked to his drug use, were deeply troubling.
In sentencing, Judge Adkin acknowledged the seriousness of the offense. While he considered the possibility of immediate imprisonment for messaging a child asking for sex, he ultimately decided that Ovington could be managed within the community. He imposed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with the condition that during the first year, Ovington must participate in 40 days of rehabilitation activities organized by the Probation Service. The court’s decision reflects a balance between punishment and the potential for rehabilitation, given the circumstances.