Ian Tate 48

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A County Durham paedophile "haunted” the lives of two girls after carrying out sickening abuse.

Despite his continued denials, Ian Tate was convicted of five offences against the girls, one under 16 and the other under 13, following a trial at Durham Crown Court earlier this year.

The 48-year-old defendant of Hopper Terrace, Trimdon Grange, denied the offences, of either engaging in sexual activity with a child or causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Despite his claims that the victims were both lying, the trial jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts to all five counts.

At a sentencing hearing on Friday (July 4) the court heard impact statements read by both victims.

One said she suffered flashbacks and recalled the defendant telling her no-one would believe her if she reported his actions.

She said it made her feel physically sick just to hear his name, even if it was said in reference to someone else.

The abuse has caused her to suffer depression and anxiety and has led her to self-harm.

Tate’s other victim said he left her, “a scared little girl” feeling that she could tell no-one what had taken place.

She said it led her into substance misuse to, “take away the pain” inflicted on her by the defendant.

Dan Cordey, representing Tate, said he was limited in what he could say on the defendant’s behalf due to his continued denials.

Mr Cordey said other than two ageing motoring offences Tate had a previous clean record and, since his conviction, has experienced his first taste of custody.

He said the defendant has suffered mental health issues in recent years, exacerbated by his excess alcohol intake.

Judge Nathan Adams said despite his continued claims of innocence and lack of remorse, the offences, “clearly took place”.

He said both victims have been “haunted” by his actions.

Judge Adams imposed consecutive sentences of nine and six years, totalling 15 years, on Tate, who he classed as, “an offender of concern”.

He said Tate must serve at least half of the nine-year term behind bars and two-thirds of the six-year sentence, giving a minimum of eight-and-a-half years.

Depending on the view of the Parole Board, however, he may remain locked up for ten years and six months.

On conclusion of the sentence, the defendant will be subject of a one-year licence extension.

Judge Adams made Tate subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.

He will also be subject of restraining orders relating to each of the victims and to the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), both for 20 years.

Tate was told he will almost certainly be prohibited from ever working with children and young people, but that would be a matter for the barring service.