Sunderland paedophile who subjected young girls to string of sex offences is jailed for 22 years

Gary Neil Paul Peel, 51, plied one of the victims with alcohol before raping her.

Robin Patton, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court how the victim has now died after developing a problem with alcohol.

In a victim impact statement, a family member said: "(The victim) never got over what happened, she just learnt to cope the way she knew how.

"I cannot even put into words how much of a struggle life is for all of us without her.

"I truly believe she would still be here today had she not been raped that night."

Mr Patton told the court how the second victim was subjected to years of abuse by Peel.

In a victim impact statement, read to the court, she said: "I will never ever forgive what you did to me, nor will I ever forget.

"It's really hard.

“If it wasn't for my amazing family and friends I wouldn't be here.

“I live for them.

"I hope that the guilt of what you did eats away at you for the rest of your sad and pathetic life."Mr Patton told the court: "It is clear from the evidence before the court the offending has had a profound psychological affect on both victims."

Peel, of Alnwick Road, Sunderland, denied six counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

He was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court in August.

Cathy Mcculloch, defending, told the court: "It's extremely difficult to mitigate remorse on these actions when he's had a trial.

"This is a man who has helped a lot of people through his work within the community.

"This was a man who has references, he's not carried on his offending behaviour."

People in the public gallery laughed as Miss Mcculloch told the court how Peel has marked himself out as being a trustworthy person in prison.

She described how as a member of the cleaning team he is given access to many different areas of the prison."He's in the process of being made into what they term a listener, which is the equivalent to a Samaritan on the inside.

"He's always been there for people and he's always been there to help them.”

Miss Mcculloch told the court how Peel was "happily married" and that his wife has supported him throughout.

Judge Sarah Mallett told Peel: "It's almost an understatement to say the offences the jury have convicted you of committing have had a devastating impact.

"The offences are of course so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified."There were shouts of "yes" from the public gallery as Judge Mallett sentenced Peel, who appeared via video link to Durham Prison, to 22 years behind bars.Detective Constable Sarah Judson, who led the case, was at Newcastle Crown Court to hear the sentence being handed down.

Det Cons Judson said: "I’m really pleased with the sentence that was handed down and hope it gives the surviving victim the strength to move on with her life.

"It is still absolutely tragic that one of the victims sadly passed before she could see this day but it is a huge sense of relief for the other victim and I hope it can help her recover from the horrific ordeal she has suffered.

"Peel has denied everything, at no point has he shown any remorse for either of his victims but their strength in coming forward to report these crimes has been paramount in getting justice.

"I hope this gives anyone out there who is suffering in silence the courage to come forward.

"I would encourage any victim of rape or sexual assault, whether recent or historic to come forward. Our specialist officers are here to listen and support you. We are also committed to carrying out a thorough investigation to try to bring offenders to justice."

If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Peel’s disgusting, predatory behaviour left these girls with serious mental and emotional scars which affected them greatly over a number of years.

“The bravery of any victim of abuse speaking out cannot be understated, but it is sadly too late for one of the women to know he has been brought to justice. We would urge anyone who has experienced sexual assault to speak out and seek support.”

Children can contact Childline, 24/7, on 0800 1111. Adults concerned about children’s wellbeing or who wish to report historic abuse can phone the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.