RAYMOND PHILLISKIRK SENTENCED IN SUNDERLAND FOR CHILD ABUSE CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the Sunderland community, Raymond Philliskirk, a 43-year-old man, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious offenses involving the exploitation of young girls. The crimes, which took place in the late 1980s, only came to light last year when two brave victims reported their experiences to the police, prompting a thorough investigation.

According to court proceedings, Philliskirk used a bag filled with toys as a lure to attract young girls, some as young as six years old, to his residence in Sunderland. Prosecutor Robin Patton detailed how Philliskirk would entice children with offers of juice, crayons, and pens, creating an environment of trust before committing the indecent acts. The court heard that after gaining their confidence, Philliskirk engaged in a series of inappropriate and criminal acts with the children, which included disturbing and sexual misconduct.

Mr. Patton described the nature of the offenses, stating, “At the time, Philliskirk lived in a cul-de-sac, a neighborhood where children often played outside on fine nights. However, it was during these innocent activities that the abuse occurred.” He recounted specific incidents, including one where Philliskirk performed a personal act in front of two young girls and another where he asked them to wash his private parts while he was naked in the bath. The court also heard that on one occasion, Philliskirk instructed a girl to lie on a bed while he lay behind her, simulating sexual intercourse, an act that underscores the severity of his misconduct.

Later, Philliskirk moved to a flat on Morgan Street in Southwick, where police raided his residence last year. During the search, officers discovered a large bag filled with toys and an extensive collection of hardcore pornography, indicating a disturbing pattern of behavior. Despite being released on bail, Philliskirk went on the run, evading police for some time. He was eventually traced to an address in Wales, where authorities found two letters he had written to friends. These letters contained phrases such as, “I thought I’d got away with it,” and “My past has caught up with me,” suggesting an awareness of his criminal actions and an attempt to evade justice.

Philliskirk denied four charges of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault. However, after a three-day trial, the jury found him guilty on all counts. During the trial, Philliskirk claimed that he liked children but insisted he had done nothing wrong to them. He also stated that the toys found in his possession were collected for friends and that the letters from Wales referred to a different incident unrelated to children.

In sentencing, Judge Gerard Harkins, presiding at Newcastle Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of Philliskirk’s actions. He stated, “You have expressed no remorse or regret for what you did to those two girls. I consider you a serious threat, and only a custodial sentence will be justified.” The judge also ordered that Philliskirk be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, marking a lifelong restriction on his freedom and a measure aimed at protecting the community from potential future harm.