RAYMOND PROCTOR FROM BROTTON AND SUNDERLAND SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Brotton and Sunderland, sex offender Raymond Proctor, aged 41, was sentenced to a three-year prison term after being found guilty of abusing a nine-year-old girl. The sentencing took place at Teesside Crown Court, where the judge emphasized the devastating impact of Proctor's actions on the young victim and her family.

Proctor, who has a history of sexual offenses dating back to 1990, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying any inappropriate contact with the girl. Despite his protests, a jury convicted him of the charges after a lengthy trial held in July. The court heard how the abuse occurred over several months, with Proctor applying cream to the girl in the absence of her mother, an act that the young girl later described as inappropriate.

The victim’s mother provided a heartfelt victim impact statement, revealing the profound trauma inflicted by Proctor’s actions. She detailed how her daughter now suffers from bedwetting and nightmares, has become cheeky and disrespectful towards her, and is undergoing counseling to cope with the emotional scars. The judge, George Moorhouse, addressed Proctor directly, stating, “That is the effect that you have had on this family.”

Proctor showed no visible emotion as he sat in the dock during sentencing. His legal representative, Julian Smith, acknowledged that Proctor’s continued denial of guilt had significantly limited the possibility of mitigation. Mr. Smith explained that this stance increased the risk of reoffending, which could have been mitigated through treatment, a curfew, and unpaid work had Proctor accepted responsibility.

It was also revealed that Proctor had a prior conviction for a sexual assault in 1990. However, since that time, he had been involved in coaching young athletes and had traveled extensively for work within the UK and Australia. Despite these seemingly positive activities, references from acquaintances expressed shock and surprise that he would stand before the court for such serious offenses.

Proctor was arrested in December, with prosecutor Jo Kidd stating that during police interviews, he admitted to applying cream to the girl but denied any inappropriate conduct. The court was told that the abuse took place on each occasion he applied the cream, which was done without the presence of the girl’s mother.

Judge Moorhouse emphasized the lasting damage caused by Proctor’s actions, noting the significant behavioral changes in the young girl, including nightmares, bedwetting, and a loss of respect for her mother. The judge highlighted that the abuse spanned many weeks and months, underscoring the prolonged nature of the offenses.

As part of his sentence, Raymond Proctor was disqualified from working with children, whether paid or voluntary, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the profound impact on the victim and her family.