A Whitley Bay paedophile, Brian Todd, who molested a youngster as young as seven has been sentenced to six years in prison. The offences committed by Brian Todd were revealed several years post-assaults, as the youngster was “too frightened” to disclose the incidents, as stated before Newcastle Crown Court.
Brian Todd, 72, of Charlton Court, Whitley Bay, was convicted of four counts of child sexual abuse.
Brian Todd was incarcerated on Wednesday afternoon, just hours after being informed of his cancer diagnosis, which necessitated urgent treatment, as stated in court.
In a statement read to the court, the child said they would not allow themselves to be called a victim.
They said they had blamed themselves for the abuse and “bottled up so many feelings”, including “anger and devastation”.
‘Uncomfortable and disgusted’
The court heard the child told police they were “too scared at the time [of the abuse] to tell anyone” but now felt Brian Todd should be “held accountable for what he has done”.
In mitigation, Jeremy Barton said Brian Todd still denied the crimes.
He said Brian Todd had been to hospital on Wednesday morning for the results of a biopsy which confirmed he had pT1 bladder cancer, which would need “invasive surgery” within a month followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Judge Sarah Mallett said the abuse made the child feel “uncomfortable and disgusted” even at the young age when it happened.
The judge said Brian Todd’s offending had had a “significant impact” on the child’s life and he had known they were “particularly vulnerable” when he assaulted them.
Judge Mallett said Brian Todd’s cancer treatment would be “provided in custody with all that entails”.
Brian Todd will also have to sign the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life upon his release with a sexual harm prevention order also made.
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