PAUL STRANGE FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN FRONT OF CHILDREN

In June 2016, a disturbing case involving Paul Strange, a resident of Middlesbrough, came to light, revealing a series of heinous acts committed against young children. Strange, aged 23 at the time, was found guilty of multiple sexual offences, including molesting an eight-year-old girl and engaging in public indecency in front of another young child.

According to court reports, Strange lured the young girl into his back garden under the pretense of showing her his animals. Once there, he subjected her to sexual assault on two separate occasions. The girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was deeply traumatized by the ordeal. The severity of the case was compounded when a ten-year-old girl, witnessing Strange performing a sex act in his front window, screamed for him to stop. Despite her protests, Strange continued his disturbing behavior, exposing himself in full view of passersby.

The victims' guardians expressed their anguish and the profound impact these events had on their lives. One parent stated, “Paul Strange, I find you disgusting. You have turned our lives upside down.” Another added, “It makes me sick to think that [the girl] has been subjected to his sick and twisted ways. I feel so strongly I think if I did attend court I would not be able to keep my emotions in check. Out of respect for the judicial system I have removed myself from the situation. It’s going to take time to get through this, but we will find a way.”

Strange denied all charges, which included two counts of sexual assault and one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Despite his denials, the evidence presented during the trial led to his conviction. The court heard how Strange forced the young girl to relive her traumatic experience as she gave evidence, which was described as honest and compelling by the judge.

During the proceedings, Strange’s defense lawyer, David Lamb, questioned whether it was necessary for his client to face immediate imprisonment. Lamb argued that Strange continued to deny his actions and expressed concern over threats made against him, suggesting that a custodial sentence might be overly harsh. He requested the judge consider a suspended sentence combined with community service.

However, Judge Sean Morris dismissed these pleas, emphasizing the gravity of Strange’s actions. The judge stated, “You groped her on two occasions, having enticed her into the back garden to see the animals. Had this been a guilty plea, it would have made a difference. But you had a trial. That little girl had to relive it. She was an honest and compelling witness. It had a dreadful effect upon her and her family.”

Judge Morris further explained that Strange’s continued denial of the offences made it impossible to impose a community order. He acknowledged that while the case was serious, it was not the most severe he had encountered, but still warranted a significant sentence.

As a result, Paul Strange was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed under a five-year sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders’ register for the next ten years, marking a significant legal response to his disturbing conduct in Middlesbrough.