Two childcare workers jailed after sexually assaulting vulnerable girl in their care

Two childcare workers who abused their position and targeted a vulnerable child, supplying her with drugs and alcohol before sexually abusing her have been jailed. 

On October 3, last year Liam Ramsey and Stephen Hurst took a 15-year-old girl, who was in their care into Durham City Centre. 

CCTV captured the actions of the pair as they arrived in Durham and then began visiting local pubs. 

To avoid detection, they used their personal bank cards to purchase alcohol, plying the victim with wine and cocktails throughout the day. On the way back to the care home, they made a detour to purchase £120 worth of Class A drugs. 

Ramsey and Hurst then took the child back to the care home where they continued to supply her with alcohol and gave her cocaine. 

The victim told police that because of all the cocaine they had given her, she had a nosebleed and went upstairs. 

As the victim went upstairs, Ramsey came into the room naked followed by Hurst who was also naked. 

The victim was then subjected to physical and sexual abuse throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. 

Both Ramsey and Hurst were on duty at the time of the offences, being her carers for the day. 

Liam Ramsey and Stephen Hurst were arrested after the victim left the care home following the ordeal. 

Officers later charged Ramsey and Hurst with 18 offences and they were remanded into court. 

The pair made some initial admissions but also denied many of the offences and so were taken to trial. 

In April, the jury found Ramsey and Hurst guilty of numerous offences including sexual activity with a child, intentional strangulation and supply of a class A drug. 

Ramsey, 40, of Sunderland was jailed for 11 years whilst Hurst, 46, of Richmond was jailed for 9 years. 

Both men were placed on the sex offender’s register for life. 

Detective Constable Beth Otty, who led the investigation said: “This has been a long and demanding investigation involving a large team of dedicated police officers and staff who have all worked diligently to bring about the best possible result for the victim. 

“Ramsey and Hurst should have been keeping the victim safe, instead they were the ones who groomed her, sexually assaulted and abused her. 

“She should have been able to trust them and should have felt safe in their company. They had no forethought for the lasting impact their actions will continue to have on the victim. 

“I would like to commend her for her bravery in coming forward and standing up against her perpetrators who can no longer pose any danger to other children.” 

If you have been sexually assaulted, please tell us, you will be listened to.

To report your experience, 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: https://tinyurl.com/3cxdezzp 

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 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 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 rsacc-thecentre.org.uk