Police apologise over 'shocking' near four-year delay led to Sunderland sex offender walking free from court

Mark Davison confessed he had incited a girl to engage in sexual activity, by asking her for topless photographs, when he was interviewed by the police in June 2016.

The now 30-year-old, who had posed as a teenager during an online "fantasy" relationship that started over Instagram in early 2016, was released by police "under investigation" and did not appear at crown court charged with the offence until December 2019.

During his sentence hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Amanda Rippon said length of time involved in the prosecution process was "utterly appalling" and branded it the "most shocking delay".

Davison, of Langdale Road, Sunderland, who pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, was given a two year jail term, suspended for two years, with programme and rehabilitation requirements.

He must sign the sex offenders register and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Firstly, I would like to apologise for the clearly unacceptable delay in this case reaching court.

"As a force we are committed to ensuring all cases reach court in a timely manner and will review this case with our partners to ensure any learning points are taken forward."

Judge Rippon said were it not for the delay in the case, the sentence would have been immediate imprisonment.

The judge told Davison, who has psychological problems and a low IQ: "The offence took place four years ago, you were first interviewed within six months.

"You made full admissions in interview.

"You were plainly released under investigation, as many defendants now are and that can be the only explanation for your first hearing at this court being in December 2019.

"I have seen cases of delay, but cannot bring one to mind where the delay has been quite so extensive in a case where really all the boxes were ticked for it to be before the court more quickly.”

Judge Rippon said Davison "never met her, never tried to" and "never would have" due to his social inadequacies.

Prosecutor David Comb said the girl was reluctant to trust Davison at first but he "set about building up a fictional relationship which was characterised by a high degree of attachment, manipulation and emotional control."

Mr Comb added: "He told her he loved her, spoke to her about difficulties she was experiencing at home with her parents and caused her to entertain thoughts of life away from that home, spent with him."

The court heard the girl eventually relented and sent pictures of herself.

Mr Comb said the victim had believed she was in a "genuine relationship" with Davison.

Jamie Adams, defending, said the delay in the case was a "disgrace" and has caused problems for not just Davison but his family.