RONALD CURRAN OF FOREST HALL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN NORTH TYNESIDE
| Red Rose Database
Forest Hall Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the North Tyneside community, Ronald Curran, a man previously known for his involvement with local Scout groups, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young children. The crimes, which spanned several decades, have left a lasting scar on the victims, many of whom continue to suffer from psychological trauma well into adulthood.
Curran, who resided on Mead Way in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was first convicted in 1995 for abusing young boys. Despite his prior conviction, he continued to prey on children, exploiting his trusted position within the community and his role as a Scout master to lure victims into his home and allotment. His home was transformed into what was described as a 'kids’ club,' where he enticed children with promises of cold drinks, ice creams, pet hamsters, a friendly dog named Rags, bonfires, and a dedicated model-making and woodworking room. These seemingly innocent activities served as a cover for his predatory behavior.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Curran’s lifestyle and hobbies were carefully designed to facilitate his abuse. Prosecutor Daniel Cordey explained that Curran took advantage of a time when children had more freedom to play outdoors, allowing local children to visit his allotment, where they could enjoy refreshments and participate in activities. The allotment became a hub of activity, with children making model airplanes in his woodworking room and engaging in outdoor play. One victim recalled that Curran’s address in the 1980s was like a 'kids’ club,' highlighting the extent to which he integrated children into his environment.
Evidence presented in court detailed the severe psychological harm inflicted upon the victims, some of whom were as young as six years old. Many victims described enduring flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional scars that persisted into their adult lives. One survivor expressed the profound impact of Curran’s actions, stating, “He ruined part of my childhood that I can’t get back. No apology, remorse or sentence can change that.” Another victim recounted feeling trapped, fearing that if they told their parents, they would not be believed or would be blamed, leading to feelings of shame and helplessness. Others described the activities at Curran’s house and allotment as nothing more than a trap designed to lure and manipulate children.
Curran was convicted by a jury of two counts of buggery involving one boy and pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault involving four other children. The court heard that his abuse was part of a calculated grooming process, with the Scout activities and social environment serving as a means to gain the trust of vulnerable children. Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced Curran to 15 years in prison, along with a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender. In her remarks, the judge emphasized the calculated nature of Curran’s offenses, stating, “All of these offences involved a significant degree of grooming. The Scouts was one of the ways you arranged your life to ensure you had contact with children within your target age. The abuse took place in the context of activities designed to attract children into your company.”
Further back in 2013, Curran was also convicted for abusing an eight-year-old girl he lured to help him on his allotment. The girl, who kept her ordeal secret for years, finally reported the abuse as an adult. Curran, then 76, was sentenced to an additional four years in prison for this offense. The court heard that Curran had previously been jailed in 1995 for similar offenses against young boys, but he continued to exploit children near his home in Forest Hall, North Tyneside.
During the 2013 trial, it was revealed that Curran would often invite children to assist him with planting seeds on his allotment, gaining their trust before subjecting them to sexual assault. The girl victim, who was just eight and nine at the time, described how she was manipulated into secrecy, with Curran telling her that adults would not understand and that their secret must be kept. She also recalled being shown a back room where he did things with motorbikes, which she found frightening. Her mother, upon learning of Curran’s previous conviction, asked her if she had also been abused, but the girl was too ashamed to disclose her own victimization until much later.
Ronald Curran’s long history of abuse and manipulation has left a trail of suffering. His actions have been described as a calculated attempt to groom and exploit vulnerable children, using his trusted community roles and seemingly benign activities as a cover for his predatory behavior. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and underscores the importance of vigilance within community organizations to prevent such abuse from occurring again.
Curran, who resided on Mead Way in Forest Hall, North Tyneside, was first convicted in 1995 for abusing young boys. Despite his prior conviction, he continued to prey on children, exploiting his trusted position within the community and his role as a Scout master to lure victims into his home and allotment. His home was transformed into what was described as a 'kids’ club,' where he enticed children with promises of cold drinks, ice creams, pet hamsters, a friendly dog named Rags, bonfires, and a dedicated model-making and woodworking room. These seemingly innocent activities served as a cover for his predatory behavior.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Curran’s lifestyle and hobbies were carefully designed to facilitate his abuse. Prosecutor Daniel Cordey explained that Curran took advantage of a time when children had more freedom to play outdoors, allowing local children to visit his allotment, where they could enjoy refreshments and participate in activities. The allotment became a hub of activity, with children making model airplanes in his woodworking room and engaging in outdoor play. One victim recalled that Curran’s address in the 1980s was like a 'kids’ club,' highlighting the extent to which he integrated children into his environment.
Evidence presented in court detailed the severe psychological harm inflicted upon the victims, some of whom were as young as six years old. Many victims described enduring flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional scars that persisted into their adult lives. One survivor expressed the profound impact of Curran’s actions, stating, “He ruined part of my childhood that I can’t get back. No apology, remorse or sentence can change that.” Another victim recounted feeling trapped, fearing that if they told their parents, they would not be believed or would be blamed, leading to feelings of shame and helplessness. Others described the activities at Curran’s house and allotment as nothing more than a trap designed to lure and manipulate children.
Curran was convicted by a jury of two counts of buggery involving one boy and pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault involving four other children. The court heard that his abuse was part of a calculated grooming process, with the Scout activities and social environment serving as a means to gain the trust of vulnerable children. Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced Curran to 15 years in prison, along with a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender. In her remarks, the judge emphasized the calculated nature of Curran’s offenses, stating, “All of these offences involved a significant degree of grooming. The Scouts was one of the ways you arranged your life to ensure you had contact with children within your target age. The abuse took place in the context of activities designed to attract children into your company.”
Further back in 2013, Curran was also convicted for abusing an eight-year-old girl he lured to help him on his allotment. The girl, who kept her ordeal secret for years, finally reported the abuse as an adult. Curran, then 76, was sentenced to an additional four years in prison for this offense. The court heard that Curran had previously been jailed in 1995 for similar offenses against young boys, but he continued to exploit children near his home in Forest Hall, North Tyneside.
During the 2013 trial, it was revealed that Curran would often invite children to assist him with planting seeds on his allotment, gaining their trust before subjecting them to sexual assault. The girl victim, who was just eight and nine at the time, described how she was manipulated into secrecy, with Curran telling her that adults would not understand and that their secret must be kept. She also recalled being shown a back room where he did things with motorbikes, which she found frightening. Her mother, upon learning of Curran’s previous conviction, asked her if she had also been abused, but the girl was too ashamed to disclose her own victimization until much later.
Ronald Curran’s long history of abuse and manipulation has left a trail of suffering. His actions have been described as a calculated attempt to groom and exploit vulnerable children, using his trusted community roles and seemingly benign activities as a cover for his predatory behavior. His sentencing marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and underscores the importance of vigilance within community organizations to prevent such abuse from occurring again.