Peadophile jailed after brave victims come forward

Luke Joseph Connor has been jailed for 15 years.

A paedophile who preyed on young girls is starting a 15-year prison sentence.

Luke Joseph Connor subjected his two victims to heinous acts leaving them so traumatised that they felt unable to speak about it for more than a decade.

The 43-year-old, formerly of Burnhope, was arrested last summer and stood trial in January after denying the offences.

He was subsequently found guilty of two charges of sexually assaulting girls under 13 and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

As he was sentencing Connor at Durham Crown Court on Friday (April 10), Judge Richard Bennett called him an “opportunist child sex offender” with a “deviant sexual interest in young girls”.

He also noted Connor’s previous child sex conviction in 2013 for which he served four years in prison. He is already subject to a lifetime notification requirement as a sex offender.

Connor was handed a total sentence of 15 years in prison and sentence with an extra three years added on licence due to his “dangerousness”.

His victims were also granted 20-year restraining orders.

Durham Constabulary Safeguarding Investigative Officer, Ashley Marsden, said: “Connor is a vile abuser who preyed on these young victims and traumatised them for life.

“I would like to commend the victims for their bravery and tenacity during the investigation and court process, reliving what happened to them as young children.

“Facing their abuser in the trial took a lot of courage to ensure their voice was heard and although this sentence will never change what has happened to them, I hope it brings them some closure knowing Connor has been brought to justice.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, 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/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• 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 www.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 www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected] or visit www.rsacc-thecentre.org.uk