Man jailed for 12 years for performing sex acts in front of children

A man who filmed himself engaging in sexual activity in front of young children has been jailed for more than 12 years.

Thomas Corner, of Stanley, was found to have 12 videos of this nature on his phone when he was stopped by police.

One of the videos also showed the 27-year-old encouraging a child to join in.

The children were aged between two and four-years-old.

Corner was arrested after concerns about his behaviour were raised with police. It was at this point his phone was seized and the videos were found.

At Durham Crown Court in December, he admitted four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and one count of making indecent images of children.

Corner appeared at Teesside Crown Court earlier this month where he was jailed for 12 years and six months.

He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Hanna Liddle, of Durham Constabulary, said: “In all the years working as a police officer, I can definitely say Corner is one of the worst I have come across.

“He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he just did not care.

“The children he targeted were utterly defenceless.

“I am pleased he can no longer pose a danger to anyone now he is behind bars.”

Anyone who is suffering sexual abuse should come forward and report it to police – call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here https://www.durham.police.uk/.../rape-sexual-assault.../

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 https://sarcdurham.co.uk/
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit https://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