Description
Damian Parkin, 30, from Durham, has been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court today (2 October) to 37 months in prison for engaging in sexual activity with a child, taking indecent images of a child, and perverting the course of justice.
Parkin was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The victim was additionally granted a five-year restraining order against him. Having previously pleaded guilty, he received a reduced sentence and the victim was not required to give evidence at trial.
It was on Thursday 13 March 2026, when North Yorkshire Police received a referral from Children's Services regarding concerns of child grooming and sexual exploitation involving a 15-year-old girl.
The concerns were initially raised by a family member, who reported inappropriate behaviour by a then-29-year-old man towards the child. During the investigation, evidence revealed a sustained pattern of grooming behaviour designed to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the victim for the offender's own sexual gratification.
The investigation found that the defendant had employed a number of grooming tactics. He first gained the trust of both the victim and her family by presenting himself as caring, supportive and understanding.
He then exploited the child's vulnerabilities, gradually creating an emotional dependency upon him. Throughout the course of their contact, the defendant provided the victim with a variety of gifts to foster a sense of loyalty and obligation towards him. The investigation established that the defendant deliberately sought to isolate the victim from her family and professionals involved in her care.
He created opportunities to spend time alone with the child, encouraged secrecy regarding their relationship, and progressively undermined the support and protection offered by trusted adults around her. The defendant attempted to normalise his behaviour by portraying the relationship as consensual and legitimate. This formed part of a wider pattern of manipulation designed to reduce the likelihood of disclosure and maintain his control over the victim.
Following the seizure and examination of the defendant's digital devices, extensive communications between him and the victim were recovered, which included evidence that he had actively coached the victim on how to avoid detection and conceal the nature of their contact.
Additionally, officers located nine Category C indecent images of the victim that had been created by the defendant.
The evidence gathered during the investigation demonstrated a calculated and deliberate course of conduct, in which the defendant exploited a vulnerable child through manipulation, isolation and coercive influence in order to facilitate her sexual exploitation.
Detective Constable Lauren Batey of North Yorkshire Police, said:
"This conviction demonstrates our commitment to protecting children from sexual exploitation and bringing those who prey on vulnerable young people before the courts.
"Cases of child sexual exploitation (CSE) are often hidden and victims may not always recognise they are being exploited or feel able to speak about what is happening. I would encourage those who have concerns about a child to report these concerns.
"We take all reports of CSE seriously and work closely with out safeguarding partners to ensure children receive the protection and support they need."