In February 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 53-year-old Gary Thorogood—formerly of Newton Aycliffe—was jailed for 13 months for the sexual assault and grooming of an underage girl. Thorogood appeared at Durham Crown Court where he was sentenced after it was reported that the investigation established he had sent a series of inappropriate messages to the child before committing a physical sexual assault.
The investigation established that Thorogood used digital communication to target the victim, with the prosecution reporting that his behaviour contained a clear “element of grooming.” Durham Crown Court heard that the case was particularly serious due to the “large disparity in their ages,” with the older man exploiting the child’s vulnerability. Judge Simon Hickey noted that Thorogood’s actions were predatory and necessitated an immediate custodial term to protect the public.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Thorogood’s history and the nature of the grooming required the most stringent long-term monitoring. The investigation established that by 2018, following the custodial portion of his sentence, Thorogood was reported to be living in the Easington Colliery area. The prosecution reported that the indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was an essential measure to ensure he remains under police scrutiny for the foreseeable future.
Judge-led proceedings at Durham Crown Court concluded with Thorogood being ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. For his actions in Newton Aycliffe and the “harrowing” impact on the young victim, he was identified as a risk to children. The judge noted that the SHPO would remain in place indefinitely, providing authorities with the permanent power to monitor Thorogood’s internet usage and social interactions to prevent any recurrence of his predatory behaviour.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in County Durham, the status of Gary Thorogood as of April 10, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (Sentenced to 13 months in 2018; served custodial term; currently under supervision).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active (10-year period ending 2028).
- SHPO Status: Subject to an INDEFINITE Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Including strict digital monitoring and bans on contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Sexual assault; Grooming/Inappropriate communications).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Durham Crown Court; investigated by Durham Constabulary.
- Criminal Record: Sent inappropriate messages to an underage girl; Sexually assaulted a minor; Used grooming tactics; Significant age gap between offender and victim.
- Origin: Newton Aycliffe (Conviction); Easington Colliery (2018 Residence).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Thorogood is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Easington Colliery area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “use of grooming to facilitate a sexual assault”—his management is a priority for the Durham Constabulary Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of targeting children via digital messaging identifies him as an individual who requires the most intensive tier of statutory oversight, including unannounced home visits and forensic inspections of any internet-enabled devices.
As a registered sex offender, the 61-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the indefinite SHPO is a vital safeguard to monitor his online behaviour and prevent him from attempting to groom further victims. Any change of residence in Easington or elsewhere, any failure to disclose digital aliases, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent and “calculated intent” to exploit a child.
QUESTION – Given that the offender’s “Notification Requirements” end in 2028 but his “SHPO” is indefinite, do you believe that all sex offenders should be required to remain on the register for life if a judge has deemed an indefinite prevention order necessary?
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