Peter Dellbridge, the Seaton Delaval Paedophile, convicted of many sexual offences against a teenager has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Peter Dellbridge perpetrated rape and sexual assault on his victim in the early 2000s at a location in the Northumberland region.
Twenty years later, the courageous woman reported the assault to Northumbria Police, prompting an inquiry by the Force’s Safeguarding Department in 2022.
Peter Dellbridge, aged 64, visited a police station for an interview but refuted the charges of abuse.
In November 2023, Peter Dellbridge was charged with multiple offences related to the inquiry.
Peter Dellbridge persistently refuted the claims and proceeded to trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
In January, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted Peter Dellbridge of 19 charges, including rape, assault by penetration, persuading a female under 13 to participate in a sexual act, sexual assault by touching, and inducing a child to observe a sexual act.
Today (Thursday), Peter Dellbridge, of Western Avenue, Seaton Delaval, received a 16-year prison sentence at the same court. Upon his release from prison, he will additionally serve an extended year on licence.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and has been issued a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order to safeguard the victim.
Detective Constable Lucy Joyce, the person in charge of the investigation for Northumbria Police, commended the victim’s courage in reporting the incident to the authorities.
She said: “It’s two decades on from when the abuse took place however today justice has finally been secured for the victim.
“It’s never too late to report to us and allow us to put these types of criminals in front of the courts.”
Det Con Joyce added: “No one should ever have to experience any form of abuse such as this, and I’d urge anyone who has been a victim of any form of sexual offending to reach out, whether it happened days, years, or decades ago.
“The clock never runs out on the support we can offer you. Get in touch with us today.”
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.