SANDRA GOUGH SENTENCED IN LINCOLN FOR ABUSE IN FERRYHILL - TEESSIDE COURT

In a case that has shocked the communities of Ferryhill and Lincoln, Sandra Gough, a woman previously known for her role as a pub manager, was sentenced to five years in prison for the systematic abuse of a schoolgirl over a decade ago. The court heard how Gough, aged 37 at the time of sentencing, was responsible for causing profound psychological trauma to her young victim, whose life was significantly altered by the ordeal.

Judge Tony Briggs, presiding over the case at Teesside Crown Court, emphasized the severity of Gough’s actions and the lasting impact on the victim. He declared that Gough would be permanently barred from working with children, a measure designed to prevent any future harm. Additionally, he imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which explicitly forbids Gough from having unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18. The judge also mandated that Gough register as a sex offender upon her release from incarceration, a requirement that will remain in effect for the rest of her life.

Gough faced five charges of indecent assault, which she denied. However, after a three-day trial at Teesside Crown Court last month, the jury found her guilty of all charges. The court accepted the victim’s detailed and vivid testimony describing her traumatic experiences, dismissing Gough’s claims that the girl was lying. The victim, who is now in her twenties, delivered a heartfelt statement to the court, blaming Gough for stealing her childhood and destroying her mental well-being. She expressed that the memories of her abuse continue to haunt her, causing nightmares and flashbacks, and she feels she will never fully recover from the trauma.

The court was informed that the victim’s life took a downward turn following the abuse, with her spending seven years in a state of mental distress. She attributed her struggles and mental health issues directly to Gough’s actions. During the hearing, Jonathan Walker, representing the defense, acknowledged the difficulty in attributing all of the victim’s suffering solely to Gough. He described the offenses as “ugly” but argued they were not among the most severe of their kind, urging the judge to avoid imposing an excessively harsh sentence.

The evidence presented during the trial detailed how Gough, who also worked in a factory before her arrest, repeatedly engaged in indecent touching and groping of the young girl. The abuse spanned approximately two years, ending when Gough relocated from the North-East to Lincoln in 2001 to manage a pub. Gough maintained that her move was due to her mother’s death and a subsequent relationship, denying allegations that she left to evade accusations.

As Gough entered the courtroom, she was supported by friends and family who sat in the public gallery, offering her emotional support. Upon sentencing, Judge Briggs remarked on the gravity of her actions, acknowledging the significant emotional and psychological damage inflicted on the victim. He stated, “Quite clearly a significant sentence is inevitable. It has clearly had a significant effect on her (the victim). I bear in mind what has been said by Mr. Walker about it not being the only cause, but I am satisfied it is a significant cause of them, and it has obviously had a very bad effect on her emotional and psychological development.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Fran Donovan of Cleveland Police expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She emphasized the importance of victims coming forward and assured the public that the police and Crown Prosecution Service are committed to pursuing justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred. Donovan’s comments aimed to reinforce confidence in the justice system and encourage others to report abuse, knowing that perpetrators will be held accountable.