THOMAS REED GATESHEAD SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD ABUSE CASES

In a significant case that has spanned decades, police officials have publicly commended two brave victims of a predatory sex offender from Gateshead, who finally came forward to report their traumatic experiences after many years of silence. The victims’ courage has led to the conviction and sentencing of Thomas Reed, an 87-year-old man, who was sentenced last week at Newcastle Crown Court to serve a total of 18 years in prison for his heinous crimes.

Reed’s criminal history dates back to the 1980s, when he was a younger man. During that period, he lured a 10-year-old boy to his residence with the false promise of showing him his binoculars. Once there, Reed subjected the young boy to a brutal and painful sexual assault, an attack that has left lasting scars on the victim’s life. The trauma was compounded by Reed’s repeated abuse of a young girl, who was only nine years old at the time. Reed, then in his 60s, would give her sweets after each assault and repeatedly told her to keep quiet about what had happened, further silencing her and deepening her suffering.

Both victims endured profound psychological trauma from their ordeals, which they kept hidden for many years out of fear and shame. It was only recently that they found the strength to come forward and report the abuse, leading to Reed’s eventual conviction. Their decision to speak out has been praised by law enforcement officials, who emphasized the importance of victims’ bravery in seeking justice, regardless of how much time has passed.

Thomas Reed, of Callendar Court in Gateshead, admitted to multiple charges. He pleaded guilty to indecent assault on the male victim, a crime that, had it occurred today, would be classified as rape. However, at the time of the offense, it was categorized differently, and he was sentenced accordingly. Reed also admitted to 12 counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child concerning the young girl. His sentence includes 18 years in prison, with an additional two years on extended licence, ensuring he remains under supervision after his release. Furthermore, Reed will be registered as a sex offender for life.

The court proceedings revealed that Reed had a prior conviction from 1979, when he was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault. During sentencing, the court took into account an additional 18 similar offenses that Reed requested be considered. His criminal record also includes a 1981 conviction for unlawful sex with a 15-year-old girl, for which he served six months in jail. These past convictions highlight a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning several decades, underscoring the gravity of his recent sentencing and the ongoing efforts to protect the community from such offenders.