RICHARD CHILDS FROM THIRSK SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR NINETIES SEX ABUSE

In a recent court ruling, Richard Childs, a resident of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of indecency with a child. The sentencing took place at Teesside Crown Court, where the victim, a woman who endured years of abuse during her childhood in the 1990s, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the length of the sentence.

The court heard that Childs, aged 61 at the time of sentencing, subjected the young girl to a prolonged period of abuse spanning two years during the 1990s. The allegations came to light after the victim, who had kept her ordeal secret for nearly a decade, finally confided in her mother in 2001. It was only last year that she reported the abuse to the police, which ultimately led to Childs’ arrest and subsequent trial.

During the proceedings, the jury was informed of the victim’s silence for ten years, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll the abuse had taken on her. The court was also told that the victim chose to come forward after many years of suffering in silence, demonstrating remarkable courage and resilience.

Judge Les Spittle, presiding over the case, described reading the victim impact statement as a “harrowing experience,” emphasizing the profound effect the abuse had on her life. In his remarks, the judge made it clear that he was deeply disturbed by Childs’ continued denial of the allegations and his dismissive attitude towards the victim’s credibility. Judge Spittle stated, “You continue to deny these matters. You continue to make reference to the credibility and trustworthiness of the complainant. You have experienced not one shred of remorse, regret or understanding as far as the complainant is concerned. I only hope there will be some closure for her in due course.”

Expressing his strong disapproval, Judge Spittle added, “I will punish you with the maximum of my ability – if I had the power, I would give you a lot more.” As part of the sentence, Childs was also ordered to be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was banned from working with children for life.

During the hearing, Dan Cordey, representing Childs, argued that his client had no prior criminal record and suggested that incarceration might be more of a shock to him than the length of the sentence. He also hinted that some personal crisis might have contributed to Childs’ actions at the time of the offences.

Following the sentencing, the victim expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She stated, “Starting tomorrow, I can get on with my life,” indicating her hope for a fresh start after years of suffering in silence. The case underscores the importance of victims coming forward and the justice system’s role in addressing such heinous crimes, especially when they involve abuse from someone within the community of Thirsk.