Paedophile sentenced to 10 years behind bars thanks to brave survivor

John WeedonJohn Weedon
John Weedon | Northumbria Police
The man came to Northumbria Police’s attention in 2020 after a woman reported he had sexually assaulted her on several occasions as a child.

“It’s never too late for justice”

That’s the message after a sex offender has been locked up more than a decade after his offending took place, thanks to the bravery of a victim.

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John Weeden, previously known as John Hawthorn, 56, of Elswick in Newcastle, came to Northumbria Police’s attention in 2020 after a woman came forward to report that as a child he had sexually assaulted her on several occasions.

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An investigation was launched, and Weeden was subsequently charged with three sexual offences.

He denied any guilt but was found guilty by a jury in July.

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John WeedonJohn Weedon
John Weedon | Northumbria Police

And on Monday, September 11, a judge heard a powerful statement written by the victim, in which she spoke of her lifelong trust issues and the continued devastation this has brought her.

She said: “The events have left a scar on me and changed me as a person.”

But looking to the future, she added: “I have finally got the justice I have waited for so long and I hope this man never gets the opportunity to ruin another child’s life, like he did to mine.”

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Following her impassioned statement, a judge sentenced Weeden to 10 years behind bars.

Detective Constable Lisa Herron of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department led the investigation.

She said: “I really am in awe of the victim’s courage. As a child, she was terrified into silence, and it took a lot of bravery for her to report and share the details of her abuse.

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“But thanks to her strength and resilience, she saw her attacker charged, convicted and now sentenced for his vile crimes.

“I truly hope this sentence gives the survivor a sense of justice and comfort.”

She added: “I also hope that this shows others who have suffered non-recent abuse that it’s never too late for justice.

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“You will be listened to, supported and we will do everything we can to ensure your abuser is put before a court.“You’re not alone and you don’t deserve to suffer in silence while your abuser gets to go about their day-to-day life answering to no one. We are always here.”

For support or more information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape, visit Northumbria Police’s website: Rape and sexual assault : Northumbria Police.