Jail for sexual predator who groomed young girl

A sexual predator who groomed a young girl and forced her to expose herself has been jailed for five years.

Vernon Austen targeted the girl when she was just nine years old, forcing her to expose herself to him and repeatedly making sexualised comments towards her.

His offending came to light when the girl, who is now a young woman, bravely reported what had happened to police and an investigation was launched.

The 59-year-old denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty by jurors sitting at Teesside Crown Court of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she now suffers from complex mental health issues as a result of Austen’s offending.

“I struggle daily to function due to excessive trauma,” she said. “I have recurring night terrors and am frequently too scared to go to sleep.

“I have ongoing contact with mental health support services and have tried a multitude of different therapies to process the trauma he caused.

“When it started I was just a little girl who had a bright future; that future was ripped away from me when he systematically abused me.

“I would like to thank DC Ian Banham and Durham Constabulary Safeguarding Team for helping me to get the justice I deserve. I hope this action will help protect children from this predator in the future.”

Austen, formerly of Darlington, appeared at court today (February 12) for sentencing where he was jailed for five years and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

He was also made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting him from having any contact with children.

Detective Constable Ian Banham, from Durham Constabulary, led the investigation. He said: “Austen is a dangerous predator who targeted a young girl for his own sexual gratification.

“He showed no consideration for the girl and how his vile behaviour might affect her.

“She has shown great courage by coming forward and telling someone what had happened to her.

“Thanks to her bravery, Austen is now in prison where he can no longer pose a danger to any other children.”

He added: “If you have been sexually assaulted or suffered sexual abuse, please tell us – you will be listened to, and we will believe you.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.”

Call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

For further support and advice, visit:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit nspcc.org.uk
• Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk