MICHAEL THOMPSON FROM CROOK SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL IN COUNTY DURHAM

In May 2021, a prominent boxing coach from Crook, County Durham, was sentenced to prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving a minor. Michael David Thompson, a self-employed plasterer who also managed Mick’s Boxing Gym in Crook, faced justice at Durham Crown Court following a two-day trial.

Thompson, aged 39 at the time, denied allegations that he had met a young girl following grooming and had engaged in sexual touching. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred in April 2019. Despite his denials, the jury unanimously found him guilty of both charges, leading to his conviction on his birthday in March.

After several postponements in the sentencing process, Thompson was finally sentenced last Friday. Judge Ray Singh handed down a 27-month prison term, emphasizing the severity of the offences. In addition to his imprisonment, Thompson was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. He was also subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions aimed at preventing further harm, also set to last for a decade.

Judge Singh highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, who was under 16 at the time of the offences. The judge also noted that the case was aggravated by Thompson’s attempt to prevent the victim from reporting the incident, adding a layer of malicious intent to the crimes. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of the justice system to address and penalize sexual offences involving minors, especially when committed by individuals in positions of trust within local communities like Crook.