MALCOLM MORANO FROM BRAMPTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN NORTHUMBERLAND

In March 2019, Malcolm Morano, age 64 and from Gilsland, Brampton, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for abusing a young girl over three decades ago.

The victim, who was between the ages of eight and 12 at the time, came forward in 2016 to report the abuse to Northumbria Police. Morano was subsequently charged with six counts of rape and one count of indecent assault.

Initially, Morano denied the charges, and a trial was scheduled; however, he later entered a guilty plea.

During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, it was heard how the victim had suffered long-term emotional effects, describing her low self-esteem and feeling as if she had been the perpetrator. She delivered a heartfelt statement in court, emphasizing the lasting impact of the abuse: "My innocence had been taken away from me and the ordeal has affected my relationships as an adult."

She also said, "My life has been controlled far too long by this. He took my childhood away."

Judge Penny Moreland sentenced Morano and highlighted the serious consequences of his actions: "What you did had serious consequences for her. She was deprived of her childhood and her innocence."

The judge also noted that Morano will serve half of his prison term before becoming eligible for parole. She stated, "It will be for the parole board to decide if it’s safe for you to be released."