Benjamin English, a paedophile who exploited his role as an Army Cadet Colour Sergeant to sexually assault a girl, has been sentenced to imprisonment.
Benjamin English, then known as Steven Watts, initially admitted to instigating sexual conduct with three girls during his tenure in Peterlee in 2006 and was subsequently given a suspended sentence.
In 2013, he was incarcerated for five years for the repeated rape of a five-year-old girl during a babysitting assignment.
Subsequent to this offence, he legally altered his name to Benjamin English via deed poll.
In 2022, after enduring the violence she had experienced, one of the original three victims reported being raped by the 58-year-old perpetrator.
Benjamin English, from Middlesbrough, refuted the charge but was convicted by a jury at Durham Crown Court and was sentenced to 15 years of incarceration on Friday.
Safeguarding Detective Constable Graeme Whitfield, who led the investigation, said: “English is a predator and a danger to children and this was a sickening abuse of trust that had a significant impact on the victim’s wellbeing for more than a decade.
“In 2022 the victim felt able to come forward and tell detectives the whole story and we thank her for her courage in doing so and the fortitude she showed in helping us bring English to justice.
“If you have been a victim of abuse, please come forward and report it. We will believe you.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.