TERRENCE RYAN OF WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEWCASTLE
A paedophile who believed himself to be 'untouchable' has been sentenced more than 50 years after beginning to abuse young boys.Terrence Ryan, now aged 77, started sexually assaulting a young boy in the early 1960s and continued to abuse three more children until the late 2000s.
Ryan, from the Woolston area of Warrington, was brought to the attention of police after one victim courageously came forward to Northumbria Police, prompting an investigation by the force's safeguarding unit.
He was subsequently arrested and initially denied the allegations.
However, he later pleaded guilty to 14 counts of historical child sexual abuse, including sexual touching, engaging in sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and oral rape.
On Friday, Ryan of Austral Avenue, Warrington, was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Andrea Burns commented on the case, stating: "This man thought he was untouchable and continued to abuse young boys for more than 50 years.
My heart goes out to the brave victims who have suffered in silence for so long, and I hope the conviction of Ryan gives them all a sense of solace and closure." She added, "This also sends a really strong message that it is never too late to report sexual abuse to police.
Some of these offences were committed in the early 1960s, yet we have still been able to seek justice for the victims.
No one deserves to suffer as these victims have, so please, if you have been a victim of abuse, speak out.
We are here to help."
