Child rapist jailed for 17 years

An abuser who raped one girl and sexually assaulted another has been jailed for 17 years.

Liam Fox raped the young girl on an isolated railway embankment in Darlington around ten years ago.

His offending came to light when the girl, who had told nobody what had happened at the time, broke down and bravely disclosed Fox’s actions to her mother several years later.

Police were called and an investigation was launched, led by Darlington Safeguarding Team.

Through their enquiries, investigators discovered that Fox had sexually abused another young girl over a number of years.

The 34-year-old, from Darlington, was arrested and charged with rape, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He denied the offences, but a jury found him guilty on all counts following a trial at Teesside Crown Court earlier this year.

Fox returned to court on Tuesday (September 29) where he was jailed for 17 years.

He was also made subject to a year sexual harm prevention order, restricting him from having contact with any female child under the age of 16 for 20 years, as well as an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting either of the girls.

Investigative Officer Chris Jung, who led the investigation, said: “First and foremost, I want to commend these young women for having the bravery to disclose what had happened to police.

“It takes a great deal of courage to speak out against an abuser, but by standing up to Fox and having their voices heard, they have helped to take a dangerous offender off the streets, who poses a clear risk to children.

“Fox is a predator who subjected these girls to appalling abuse and then put them both through the ordeal of a trial. A jury unanimously convicted him for these offences, and I hope both survivors can take comfort from that and seeing him sentenced.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse call us 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  
• NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
• Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk