PAUL BERRY OF GATESHEAD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN NEWCASTLE
A convicted paedophile who sexually abused three children has been sentenced to prison.Paul Berry's offending spans several decades, beginning in the 1980s when he indecently assaulted a young girl.
In the mid-2000s, the now 60-year-old from Gateshead targeted two boys, making sexual advances and assaulting them.
All three victims courageously came forward in 2019, prompting an investigation by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding unit.
Berry was subsequently arrested and denied the allegations.
However, in March, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault.
On Friday, May 14, at the same court, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Detective Constable Stefan Noakes, who led the investigation, expressed relief at the sentence and commended the victims for their bravery.
He stated, "This has been such a long process for these victims but now thankfully they are getting the justice they deserve.
Berry thought he was able to get away with his crimes by lying his way throughout this investigation, but the jury saw through his deceit and he now faces the consequences of his actions." He added, "Berry made the victims endure further trauma by taking the case to trial, but their strength and determination has been incredible.
I hope they can now close this terrible chapter of their lives and move forward knowing Berry is behind bars where he belongs." Berry, of Pattinson Gardens, Felling, was also handed an indefinite Serious Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which imposes restrictions upon him when he is released from prison.
Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
