VICTOR JEFFERY FROM MIDDLESBROUGH PLEADS FOR LAST-MINUTE FREEDOM BEFORE SENTENCING FOR CHILD RAPE
In January 2018, Victor Jeffery, a 39-year-old man from Middlesbrough, found himself in a desperate plea for mercy as he faced the consequences of his criminal actions.Just prior to his sentencing, Jeffery addressed the court from the dock, imploring the judge for an additional week of freedom, despite knowing that a lengthy prison term was imminent.
Jeffery expressed his desire to return home for one more week, promising the court that he would continue to attend court daily and asserting that he posed no risk to anyone.
His words were: “I know I’ve been convicted of this in a court of law, Sir, and the sentence will be next week.
But can I please ask you to please let me go home for another week.
I promise I will come here like I have done every day.
I’m begging you Sir, your Honour.
I don’t need to be put on remand.
I’m no risk to anybody.” However, Judge Howard Crowson responded firmly, acknowledging Jeffery’s plea but making it clear that his request would not be granted.
The judge stated, “I understand why you ask that.
I’m afraid, Mr Jeffery, you’ll have to stay where you are.
It will be a long prison sentence.” Throughout the trial, Jeffery had been on bail, awaiting the verdict.
The jury at Teesside Crown Court deliberated for approximately six hours before reaching a verdict.
They found Jeffery guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The court proceedings revealed that Jeffery had committed these heinous acts against two vulnerable underage girls several years prior, instructing them not to disclose what had happened.
One of the victims, who is legally protected from being named, described Jeffery’s conduct as “horrible.” She confided in her mother, who subsequently contacted the police, leading to Jeffery’s arrest and trial.
Jeffery, who resides on Crescent Road in the Ayresome area of Middlesbrough, denied all allegations, claiming that the sexual assaults never occurred and that the accusations were fabricated lies.
During the trial, prosecutor Shaun Dodds presented evidence supporting the victims’ accounts, which cast significant doubt on Jeffery’s denial.
Despite the jury’s guilty verdicts, they were unable to reach a consensus on three additional rape charges, which the Crown decided not to pursue further, leaving those charges to remain on the court record without a retrial.
Jeffery is scheduled to be sentenced next Friday, marking the culmination of a case that has deeply affected the victims and the community of Middlesbrough.
The court’s decision will determine the length and nature of his imprisonment, but the court’s stance remains clear: justice must be served for the victims of these serious crimes.
