PENSIONER WHO GROPED TEENAGE BOY PUT BEHIND BARS FOR FOUR YEARS.
A senior citizen convicted of inappropriate conduct towards a teenage boy has been sentenced to prison.Raymond Kingsland's digital devices were confiscated following his misconduct, revealing that he had been viewing adult content involving young males and older men.
During proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, the 73-year-old resident of The Ridgeway in South Shields admitted to three counts of sexual assault against a single male adolescent.
In a statement read aloud in court, the teenage victim described himself as "a typical boy" before the incident but expressed that his life has since been negatively affected.
The mother of the victim also delivered a statement, sharing that she waits until her son leaves the house so she can cry privately.
The judge, Penny Moreland, imposed a sentence of four years in prison on Kingsland, ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, and mandated adherence to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
Judge Moreland emphasized that the assault caused the victim "severe psychological harm." Defence solicitor Jane Foley stated that Kingsland's life had previously been free of serious issues and described him as a respectful, law-abiding person.
She added that he has now lost his reputation, feels profound shame, and is embarrassed about his actions.
Ms.
Foley also mentioned that Kingsland had been employed throughout his life until his retirement in 2017 and is now dealing with health issues.
