Bryan Tulip 46

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A man who remains in denial about the serious sexual abuse of a young girl despite his recent conviction has received an 18-year custodial sentence.

Bryan Tulip was sentenced as, “an offender of particular concern”, after being found guilty of two counts of rape, one covering several repeat offences, plus sexual assault of the girl, following a trial at Durham Crown Court last month.

The 45-year-old defendant, of Hillside Gardens, Stanley, had denied all counts at a plea hearing at the court in March.

Appearing by video link from nearby Durham Prison, the sentencing hearing was told Tulip still denies the offences for which he was convicted.

Since the conviction, on August 8, the victim has prepared an impact statement to be read to the court.

Ian West, prosecuting, delivered the statement, in which the victim, now an adult woman, spoke of the effect of Tulip’s actions on her, how it affected her education and childhood in general, and how she has suffered anxiety since.

She also said she is always guarded in the presence of any man, even in shops, and she outlined how difficult it was to tell police and relive what happened to her in her childhood days at Tulip’s hands.

The victim said now the case is over she is to seek counselling.

She added: “I can’t forgive him for what he did and for putting me through a trial.

“In my opinion he should go to prison for a very long time and not be allowed near to children again.”

 Tony Davis, for the defendant, said he was restricted in what he could say in mitigation as Tulip still denies culpability.

Mr Davis said otherwise, his client has been hard-working and a dedicated son and carer for his parents and various children he has helped to looked after.

But Judge Adkin said: “Having a good character, apart from abusing a young child, is meaningless. 

 He said he would pass a special sentence for an offender, “of particular concern,” as his victim was aged under 13.

The sentence involves a custodial element of 18 years, with a further 12 months’ extended licence period upon his eventual release.

Judge Adkin put in place a restraining order, prohibiting Tulip ever trying to contact or approach his victim.

He will also be subject to lifetime restrictions under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and registration as a sex offender, also indefinitely.