Pensioner, 80, jailed for sexual relationship with teenager

A pensioner who groomed a teenager has been jailed after the victim found the courage to confide in her friends and officers.

Martin Fisher, 80, started a sexual relationship with the teen – who is six decades his junior - while she was underage.

She came forward after confiding in her friends, who supported her to speak out and contact police. Fisher, of Pallinsburn, Cornhill, a retired widower, was arrested in January 2021.

He pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court in December last year to 11 counts of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced to six years behind bars at that same court by a judge last Thursday (January 26). He was also made to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life, handed an Indefinite Restraining Order and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Graeme Cole, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding department, led the investigation and praised the victim’s courage.

He said: “Retired teacher Fisher preyed on his victim and manipulated her into keeping quiet by telling her he loved her and trying to convince her that theirs was a natural relationship and she might one day be his next wife.”

He added: “It took great courage for the victim to confide in her friends and I want to praise her bravery in coming forward and also praise her friends for supporting her and encouraging her to speak out.

“I would encourage anyone who might find themselves in a similar position, concerned about themselves or a friend and fearful they are being groomed, to always tell a trusted adult – a parent, teacher or police officer.

“Every report will be taken seriously, treated with the utmost compassion and you will be fully supported.”