‘Predator’ child rapist is jailed for 24 years
SOME OF THE VICTIMS OF VILE PERVERT WERE UNDER 13 YEARS OLD
A “PREDATORY” child rapist who preyed on young boys for over two decades has been jailed for 24 years.
Prosecutors claim depraved Jeffrey Errington “destroyed the lives” of some of his young victims.
Some of them were younger than 13 when he raped them.
One of the 54-year-old’s victims took his own life before he could see his abuser brought to justice.
“The effect of Errington’s offending was devastating,” said Claire Thomasson, of the CPS North East’s rape and serious sexual assault unit.
“Some of his victims drifted into dependence on drugs and alcohol, with one even taking his own life before the case came to court.
“We are very pleased with the sentence passed on Jeffrey Errington, whose predatory behaviour over nearly two decades has destroyed the lives of many of his young victims.”
Mrs Thomasson also praised investigators who swiftly built a “very robust case” against Errington, of Newfield in Bishop Auckland.
After one victim came forward, another 10 bravely spoke out against their tormentor.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Errington carried out the abuse from the late 1980s through to 2009.
He was found guilty of 33 offences, including multiple counts of indecent assault, child rape and sexual activity with a child, against 11 separate victims.
On Wednesday he was sentenced to 24 years in jail, extended by seven years.
Sick Errington had denied offences, forcing his victims to go through the agony of a trial.
Mrs Thomasson said: “I would like to praise police investigators, who worked swiftly to secure vital evidence when a further 10 victims came forward between March and August of last year.
“The CPS has worked very closely with Durham Constabulary and Northumbria Police to build a very robust case, which has secured a very significant sentence against a prolific sexual predator.
“I would hope that this result provides a good measure of comfort to all of those affected by Jeffrey Errington’s cruel and abusive actions.”
Sergeant Paul Mawson, from Durham Constabulary, said: “Jeffrey Errington is a predatory paedophile who has, for three decades, preyed on the most vulnerable in our society for his own sexual gratification and robbed his victims of their childhoods.
“Thanks to the brave victims who had the trust and confidence in the police to bring this to our attention, Errington has now been imprisoned for 24 years for 33 offences on 11 victims.
“This has been a detailed and protracted enquiry by Durham Constabulary, working alongside Northumbria Police and the Crown Prosecution Service who are all extremely pleased with the outcome.”