DARLINGTON PUB LICENSEE TONY FURPHY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON THREE WOMEN
In February 2019, Tony Furphy, a pub licensee in Darlington, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for sexually assaulting three women, including a 17-year-old.Furphy, whose address was listed as the Baydale Beck public house near Low Coniscliffe, was described by his victims—who are unable to be identified due to legal restrictions—as "arrogant." His misconduct involved inappropriate touching and attempts to forcibly kiss them.
Two women who had encountered Furphy since his arrest recounted how he had smirked at them, seemingly confident he would evade justice.
All three victims delivered impact statements at Teesside Crown Court during the sentencing, which also imposed a ten-year restraining order prohibiting Furphy from contacting them.
One victim shared her emotional struggles, stating, "I felt suicidal in the weeks leading up to the trial after being disgusted when Furphy, 48, attacked me." She expressed disappointment that Furphy appeared unremorseful, saying, "I wish he could stand up and accept what he has done," and added her fears about encountering his car in town.
She also revealed that Furphy had tried to claim she was in a relationship with him, which made her feel sick—a comment she found particularly disturbing, considering Furphy's age was double hers.
"I am glad that the jury saw through his lies," she concluded.
Another victim explained she had not initially reported her assault to police and felt responsible for what happened.
Since then, she had become more cautious, especially around older men.
She recounted an incident where Furphy, after assaulting her, had asked, "Is there a chance?" and her disbelief at his continued advances.
She also described an unsettling encounter in Sainsbury's, where she saw Furphy staring at her with a cocky grin, leaving her shaking and upset.
"He is that arrogant and sure of himself.
He is the most arrogant person I have ever met," she said.
The third victim revealed a history of childhood sexual abuse and testified that Furphy’s actions had reawakened those traumatic memories.
She expressed her fear and shame about giving evidence but hoped that confronting him would prevent him from harming other women.
"Furphy frightened me," she stated, acknowledging her fear and shame and hoping her courage would help prevent him from victimizing others.
All three women emphasized the lasting emotional and psychological impact the offenses had on their lives.
Furphy, who denied five counts of sexual assault but was found guilty by a jury, is believed to be a licensee at the Baydale Beck, although his ex-wife is the main landlord.
His defense lawyer, Ian West, noted, "His wife was the boss but he was regarded as the boss," and the court was told that Furphy had since moved into a rented flat.
