In 2019, the Offender Database reported that George Errington, then 73, of Langley Park, County Durham, was sentenced to nine years in prison. On Thursday, 23 May 2019, Errington appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of a decade-long campaign of child sexual abuse.
The investigation established that the offences occurred over a ten-year period. While Errington pleaded guilty to several charges, he denied two further counts of sexual assault, forcing his victims to provide evidence during a trial. The prosecution reported that Errington had previously been accused of abuse by one victim, but because the child could not repeat the statement to police at that time, no charges were brought. The prosecution emphasised that this initial lack of prosecution effectively gave Errington a “green light” to continue his predatory behaviour.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Judge Jonathan Carroll emphasised that Errington’s actions had a “devastating impact” on the lives of his four victims. The court reported that victims described the defendant as “manipulative,” “arrogant,” and “confident he would not be caught.” One victim reported suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, and nightmares, while another was forced to leave their employment to seek professional counselling.
The judge emphasised that Errington’s behaviour in court—which included shaking his head as the charges were read—further demonstrated his arrogance and refusal to take accountability. The prosecution emphasised that Errington had used his position to exploit children, believing his age or status rendered him untouchable. For his crimes in Langley Park, the court determined that a significant custodial sentence was the only way to reflect the long-term harm inflicted on the survivors.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in County Durham, George Errington was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Nine years in immediate custody.
- Prohibitions: Banned from being in contact with children unless a parent is present.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault on children.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Errington is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Durham Constabulary. Due to his history of manipulative behaviour and the duration of his offending, his status is under high-level scrutiny by authorities in Langley Park.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Errington must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in County Durham. Authorities state that his risk management includes strict limitations on his access to children to prevent further exploitation. Any breach of his registration conditions or the specific contact bans imposed by the court will result in his immediate arrest and return to Durham Crown Court.
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