STANLEY WATSON OF BENWELL JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON YOUNG GIRL IN NEWCASTLE

In June 2009, Stanley Watson, a resident of Benwell, Newcastle, was sentenced to prison for a sexual assault on a six-year-old girl. Watson assaulted the young girl at his home in Benwell, and the victim’s tearful confession to her father led to his arrest. When police apprehended him, Watson claimed they had been just 'playing,' but a search of his computer revealed indecent images of the girl and other children.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge John Evans stated, “For her it must have been a bewildering experience and one that no doubt alarmed her. I’m quite sure you had hoped to buy her secrecy. There is no doubt in my judgment you do constitute a considerable risk to the public but I hope it’s a risk that can be addressed when you are in custody.”

Watson, aged 58 and of Benwell Close, Benwell Grange, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child and seven counts of possessing indecent images. During his arrest, he responded, “I know what this is about. We were playing. It may have gone too far.”

He was sentenced to five years in prison and will serve an extended license period of three years upon release. Additionally, Watson was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently banned from working with children.

Euan Duff, defending Watson, stated, “This was a one-off occurrence, there is no question of this happening over a prolonged period of time. He is 58 and has never come before the courts before.”