RAYMOND ARMSTRONG FROM NORTHALLERTON JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through Northallerton and the surrounding areas, Raymond Armstrong, a 59-year-old former Army driver residing on Elder Road in Northallerton, has been sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual assault of a child. The conviction was secured by a jury after what the presiding judge described as 'compelling evidence,' leaving little room for doubt regarding Armstrong's guilt.

During the trial held last month, Armstrong maintained his innocence, disputing any allegations of sexual misconduct. He returned to Teesside Crown Court to face sentencing after being remanded in custody. The court proceedings took place via a live video link from Durham Prison, where Armstrong is currently incarcerated. Judge Stephen Ashurst presided over the case and emphasized that the two-week period between conviction and sentencing was intended to allow the defendant time to reflect on his actions and his continued denial of guilt.

In his remarks, Judge Ashurst acknowledged the profound impact that Armstrong's actions have had on the victim and their family. He also highlighted a report in which Armstrong reportedly told a probation officer, 'If that’s what was said, I must have done it.' The judge expressed some understanding of the difficulty in accepting responsibility, noting that 'many who commit offences like this find it difficult to come to terms with their behaviour.' However, he also expressed relief that Armstrong no longer disputes the facts, stating, 'I hope in the fullness of time that it can be passed on that you accept it was the truth.'

Earlier, in April 2018, Armstrong faced similar allegations when he was accused of sexually assaulting a child. The case was swiftly brought to trial, with the jury taking just over an hour to convict him based on what was described as 'compelling evidence.' During the three-day trial, a 20-minute police interview with the child was played to the jury, which played a significant role in the conviction.

At that time, Armstrong denied any sexual wrongdoing, claiming that if his arm had brushed past the child's intimate areas, it was unintentional. The court heard that he was remanded in custody following the verdict and was scheduled for sentencing at Teesside Crown Court in the following month. The judge, Stephen Ashurst, advised Armstrong that custodial sentences are typically the starting point for such offences and suggested that he prepare for the possibility of imprisonment.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ashurst acknowledged the emotional toll of the case, stating, 'A good deal of heartache has been caused,' and noted that Armstrong's decision to plead not guilty did not influence the jury's assessment of the evidence. The judge also pointed out that the evidence presented, including the police interview, was very compelling, and that Armstrong had a choice in how to respond to the allegations.

During the proceedings, Armstrong's legal representative, Kristian Cavanagh, requested bail, citing his client's health issues, his good character, and his settled address in Northallerton. However, the judge made it clear that given the gravity of the charges and the evidence, bail was unlikely to be granted, and that Armstrong should prepare for a custodial sentence. The case underscores the serious nature of child sexual abuse offences and the judicial system's commitment to holding offenders accountable, regardless of their background or previous conduct.