RONALD HERON FROM STAKEFORD INDICTED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN NEWCASTLE AND NORTHUMBERLAND

In a disturbing case that has garnered significant attention, Ronald Heron, a former teacher and resident of Stakeford near Ashington in Northumberland, is facing multiple legal actions related to his past criminal conduct involving child sexual abuse. The allegations stem from incidents that occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, a period during which Heron was convicted of abusing four young victims, including both boys and a girl.

Heron was sentenced to nine years in prison after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court in 2007. However, he was not present for the proceedings, having fled the country midway through the trial. His disappearance led him to seek refuge in the Philippines, evading justice for several months. It was only after his arrest at Heathrow Airport, approximately ten months later, that he was returned to the United Kingdom to face sentencing and further legal scrutiny.

One of the victims, a woman whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, has now initiated a civil lawsuit against Heron in the High Court, seeking damages of up to £100,000. The woman alleges that Heron repeatedly subjected her to sexual acts over a six-year period during her childhood. She claims that Heron not only forced her to perform sexual acts but also attempted to rape her on multiple occasions. During his criminal trial, Heron was convicted of three counts of sexual assault against this woman, but her civil claim suggests that the scope of his misconduct was broader than what was proven in court.

The woman reports suffering from severe psychiatric issues as a consequence of the abuse, including post-traumatic stress disorder. She describes ongoing difficulties in forming relationships and states that her mental health struggles have adversely affected her educational achievements and career prospects. Her legal action underscores the long-lasting impact of Heron’s abuse on her personal and professional life.

Heron’s criminal activities extended beyond this case. It has been reported that he is also being sued by another victim, a male individual, who has filed a separate High Court claim. Heron’s lifestyle during the height of his abusive behavior was notably affluent; he owned a private plane and a collection of luxury cars. His victims were often taken on trips to Cumbria, including train journeys to carnivals and flights to Eshott Airfield, where he would fly in his private plane during the 1970s and 1980s.

Following the criminal conviction, Heron’s assets, including his property and possessions, have been frozen. These measures will remain in place until the resolution of the ongoing compensation cases. During his trial, prosecutor Penny Moreland described Heron as a man with a penchant for fast cars and flying planes, noting that he was quite popular in his younger days despite his darker activities.

Heron’s arrest was prompted by one of his victims, who was experiencing relationship difficulties attributed to the trauma inflicted by Heron. This victim approached the police, leading to Heron’s eventual apprehension. The other victims had reportedly chosen to suppress their memories of the abuse, making the case even more complex and emotionally charged. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the enduring scars left by Heron’s actions and the pursuit of justice for his victims.