MICHAEL WARRENER'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN SUNDERLAND LEAD TO 19-YEAR SENTENCE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sunderland, Michael Warrener has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the heinous crimes he committed against his own daughter. Warrener, a 59-year-old man from Thorney Close, was convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of his daughter, Claire, which spanned several years during her adolescence.

Claire, who was in her early twenties at the time of her death, tragically took her own life last December, just a few months after she finally found the courage to speak out about the abuse she endured as a young girl. Her death has left her family devastated and seeking justice for the suffering she endured. Before her death, Claire sent a heartfelt text message to a loved one, revealing her inability to cope with the trauma inflicted by her father, stating that she was overwhelmed by what he had done to her.

The court proceedings revealed the harrowing details of her ordeal. Warrener, who denied one charge of indecent assault and three counts of rape, was found guilty after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court last week. The evidence presented included a lengthy and emotionally charged statement that Claire had made to police, describing the abuse she suffered. This statement was used as a key piece of evidence against Warrener, illustrating the severity and duration of his crimes.

During the sentencing, Judge John Milford expressed his condemnation of Warrener’s actions. He stated, “I am satisfied you are, at least in part, responsible for her death. Though other factors may have played a part in the decision she took to end her life, she sent a text saying she could not cope any longer because of what you had done to her. You have demonstrated no remorse.” Warrener appeared to be defiant during the proceedings, shaking his head as the judge delivered his verdict.

Claire’s family, visibly grief-stricken, attended the court to witness justice being served. They issued a statement expressing their relief and anger, saying, “The most important part of all this is we got justice for Claire. We hope he rots in hell. We have always said Claire did what she did because of the abuse he put her through, now the judge has publicly said that that was in fact one of the reasons for her taking her own life.” They further emphasized the pain they carry, stating, “Even though 19 years sounds like a long time, for us, no sentence could be long enough. As a family, we have a life sentence because of what he did. We will never get Claire back even after he has served the 19 years.”

The court heard that Warrener’s abuse began when Claire was approximately 13 years old. Prosecutor Penny Moreland detailed how Claire, whose parents had separated, was living with her father at the time the abuse started. She recounted that Warrener would enter her bedroom while she was asleep, an invasion that left Claire confused and frightened. In her police statement, Claire admitted, “I didn’t know what had happened to me,” highlighting the trauma she endured.

It was only in 2010 that Claire felt able to come forward and report her father’s actions. During the trial, Warrener was also found guilty of indecent assaults on two other child victims, further underscoring the extent of his predatory behavior. The case has left a lasting scar on the Sunderland community, and the court’s decision aims to bring some measure of justice for Claire and her family, who continue to mourn the loss of their beloved daughter and sister.