PAUL INGRAM OF NORTHALLERTON SPARED JAIL AFTER SEX ACT IN FRONT OF CHILD

In May 2014, Paul Ingram, a 50-year-old former soldier from Elm Close, Northallerton, was spared immediate imprisonment after committing a sexual act in front of a young girl. The court was told that Ingram smiled at the girl as he pleasured himself, an act which lasted only a few seconds.

Ingram had previously admitted to a charge of sexual activity in the presence of a child, which took place sometime between January 1, 2008, and May 2009. This admission was made on the eve of his trial at Teesside Crown Court.

During mitigation, Dan Cordey explained that the incident was unplanned and isolated. He highlighted that Ingram served ten years in the Army and was considered a conscientious and decent individual until his discharge. The court was also told that Ingram had suffered a stroke, from which he had largely recovered, and was currently working in a limited capacity.

Mr. Cordey added that Ingram, who needed first aid after experiencing breathing difficulties in the courtroom, was terrified of going to prison. He requested that a suspended sentence would be appropriate, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence.

Judge Howard Crowson concurred with many of these points, noting a probation report indicating that Ingram was unlikely to reoffend. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Ingram to 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Ingram was ordered to be subject to an unlimited sexual offences prevention order and to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years.