Child abuser jailed for 20 years for historic sexual offences against boys

Between 1978 and 1994, Ernest Callaghan subjected the victims, who were just young boys at the time to countless incidents of sexual assault. The abuse included buggery on a number of occasions.

 

In 2023, one of the courageous victims contacted Durham Constabulary to report the abuse he had suffered at the hands of Callaghan.

 

The complex safeguarding team were allocated the case and contacted the victim to arrange to obtain his account.

 

Following the process, Callaghan was arrested and interviewed where he denied the allegations of sexual assault.

 

Enquiries continued and a further victim was identified, he also bravely gave his account to investigating officers.

 

Callaghan was arrested for a second time and interviewed. Again, fully denying the allegations made.

 

Officers saw through his web of lies and charged the 78-year-old with seven counts of indecent assault on a boy and three counts of buggery on a boy without consent.

 

Callaghan of Stephens Road, South Bank, Middlesbrough was found guilty of all 10 offences earlier this year and at Teesside Crown Court today was jailed 22 years.

 

He was also placed on the sexual offenders register for life and will be 93 before he is eligible for parole.

 

Safeguarding Investigative Officer, Karl Hopps said: “I am pleased that Callaghan has finally been brought to justice for these horrific offences. He stole the victim’s childhoods and carried on with his normal life.

 

“Now, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars and the boys who are now men will hopefully be able to move on with theirs.

 

“A special mention should go to Investigative officer, Katie Field who worked with the victims for over two years to maintain their trust, building them up and giving them the confidence to keep going – without her tenacity and their bravery, the case may have collapsed.

 

“I hope this conviction gives survivors of abuse the courage to come forward and they feel reassured that no matter how much time has passed, we will listen.”

 

Are you a survivor of sexual abuse and do you feel ready to report your experience?

 

Call Durham Constabulary on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

 

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