In 2019, the Offender Database reported that John William Henderson, then 32, of Amble, Northumberland, was facing a “substantial custodial sentence” after admitting to a campaign of horrific sexual violence. Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court via video link from HMP Durham, Henderson pleaded guilty to eight counts of rape and multiple counts of sexual assault against a young boy. The “vicious” abuse took place over several years, beginning when the victim was just eight years old.
The court heard horrendous details of the systematic abuse, which occurred between August 2016 and February 2019. The prosecution emphasised that Henderson “vilely” targeted the child as he grew from age eight to ten. In addition to the “serious” charges of rape and sexual assault, Henderson also admitted to making indecent photographs of the child during the same periods.
During the hearing, His Honour Judge Adams emphasised the gravity of the offences, noting that Henderson would remain in custody until his sentencing on May 24, 2019. While Henderson pleaded not guilty to a charge of distributing indecent photographs, the court reported that no evidence would be offered for that specific count, and it would remain “on file.” The “vile” nature of the repeated attacks on a single vulnerable child led the judge to warn of a significant term of imprisonment.
As a result of his convictions for rape, sexual assault, and making indecent images, John William Henderson was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Northumbria Police, ensuring his behaviour and risk to the public in Amble, Alnwick, and the wider Northumberland area are strictly monitored. Any attempt to breach his licensing conditions or contact survivors will result in immediate intervention by the authorities.
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