Locations
Camperdown, North Tyneside, NE12
Description
A pet-collecting paedophile who sexually abused two youngsters has been jailed for 27 years.
Fraser Brennan subjected the children to sickening abuse which has left both of them traumatised. Newcastle Crown Court heard the 35-year-old was previously convicted of sexually assaulting two other youngsters when he was 15 or 16 years old. He got a community order for that then was cautioned twice for breaching a sex offender registration requirement.
In relation to the latest case, the court heard Brennan kept a selection of animals, including a bearded dragon, snake and rabbits and he admitted the pets were attractive to children, although a judge said it was unclear whether he kept them for that purpose.
Brennan denied offending against the victims but was convicted of two counts of assault by penetration on one of them and attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration on the other.
The abuse came to light after a school teacher was alerted and Brennan was arrested. He continues to deny any wrongdoing.
In a victim impact statement, one youngster said they are "more angry than ever" and has self-harmed. They added that they'll never forget it but hopes to use the experience to grow stronger.
The second victim said they have not been happy since the abuse and has depression, anxiety and has self-harmed.
Judge Christopher Prince jailed Brennan, of Camperdown, North Tyneside, for 27 years with an extended licence period of a further six years. He will also have to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Fiona Lamb, defending, said: "There's a different side to this defendant. His family are supportive of him."