After his courageous victim came forward to disclose she was sexually attacked as a youngster, a convicted paedophile, John Hawthorn Elmington Paedophile, was imprisoned for ten years.
Previously known as John Hawthorn, 56, of Elmington in Newcastle, John Weeden came to the attention of Northumbria Police in 2020 after a woman came forward to disclose that he had sexually abused her multiple times when a youngster.
An inquiry was started, and John Weeden was charged with three sexual crimes.
He claimed no blame, but a jury decided he was guilty in July of this year.
The victim made a solid statement to a judge about her lifetime trust problems and the ongoing sorrow this has caused her.
She said the incidents have left a mark on me and affected me personally.
Looking forward, she continued: “I have finally got the justice I have waited for so long, and I hope this man never gets the opportunity to ruin another child’s life as he did to mine.”
After her passionate remarks, a judge condemned John Weeden to ten years in prison.
Investigating under the Safeguarding Division of Northumbria Police, Detective Constable Lisa Herron released a statement following the sentence.
She remarked, “I genuinely respect the victim’s bravery. She was intimidated into silence as a child; hence, reporting and sharing the specifics of her abuse required a great deal of guts.
But owing to her fortitude and bravery, she saw her assailant tried, found guilty, and now jailed for his horrible deeds.
“I genuinely hope this sentence provides the survivor comfort and justice.”
She said: “I also hope this demonstrates to those who have endured non-recent abuse that it’s never too late for justice.
“You will be listened to and helped, and we will do all we can to guarantee your abuser is before a court.
You are not alone, and you deserve not to suffer in silence while your abuser goes about their daily business responding to no one. We show here constantly.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.