RICHARD WATKINS SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN SOUTH SHIELDS

In a case that has shocked the community of South Shields, Richard Watkins, aged 29, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor. The crimes, which are considered to be of a serious and disturbing nature, date back to when Watkins was still a teenager, highlighting the long-lasting impact of his actions.

Watkins, who resides on Winskell Road in South Shields, faced a jury that found him guilty of seven separate charges. These included three counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13 by penetration, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault of a child. Throughout the trial, Watkins maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. However, the jury's verdict was unanimous in finding him guilty of all charges.

The court proceedings revealed that Watkins had subjected his young victim to a campaign of sexual abuse over a period of time. Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin emphasized the profound and lasting damage inflicted upon the girl, both mentally and physically. He described her as an extremely vulnerable individual, whose life has been significantly affected by Watkins' actions. The court heard that Watkins had also threatened his victim, adding a layer of intimidation and control to his misconduct.

During the trial, defense lawyer Lee Fish argued that many adolescents engage in what he termed “sexual experiments” at a young age. He suggested that Watkins has since matured and that he has no previous criminal record. Fish emphasized that Watkins has led a responsible life as an adult and that he does not pose a threat to the public. He stated, “This man has no previous convictions. He has lived his entire adult life responsibly and abides by the law. He did not commit any of these offences as an adult. This defendant is not a risk to the public.”

However, the presiding judge, Judge Bindloss, countered these claims by highlighting Watkins’ maturity at the time of the offences. The judge pointed out that Watkins was relatively mature for his age, working and in a relationship. He made it clear that there was no consent from the young girl involved and that Watkins’ actions were not part of some youthful experimentation. Instead, the judge noted that Watkins threatened his victim to ensure compliance and did not show remorse or understanding of the harm caused.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Bindloss sentenced Watkins as though he were a juvenile, reflecting the seriousness of the offences. He expressed concern that Watkins remains in denial about his actions and has shown no victim awareness. The judge concluded that Watkins continues to pose a risk of reoffending and therefore sentenced him to six years in prison, emphasizing the need for public protection and the importance of justice for the victim.