Pervert assaulted young girl '“ claiming abuse was part of a board game

Brian Graham carried out the shocking offences almost three decades ago, when he played the girl at Game of Life, during a visit to her home.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the then 17-year-old introduced a forfeit system, where the player had to carry out a sexual act if their “luck” ran out during the contest.

Graham, of Norfolk Street, Sunderland, denied indecency with a child and indecent assault, but was convicted by a jury after a trial.

The now 45-year-old married dad-of-six, who continues to protest his innocence, has been jailed for two years.

Judge Robert Adams said: “During the course of this game playing, there was a system of forfeits introduced by you, depending on the luck of the player during the course of the game.”

The court heard the ordeal has had a huge effect on the victim, now a grown woman, who was branded a liar in cross examination during the trial and now sees a counsellor.

She said in a victim statement she has been left with feelings of guilt, anger and disappointment.

Graham was also convicted by the jury of indecency with a child and indecent assault in relation to the same child on a different date.

He was found guilty of indecent assault on a teenage girl in the same period of time.

The court heard despite the seriousness of the offending, Graham has been assessed as posing a low risk of re-conviction.

Judge Adams said: “It is not surprising since 28 years have elapsed with no like offending in that period and you were a teenager at the time.”

The judge said Graham has lost his “good name” by his actions all those years ago.

Graham must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and abide by restraining orders banning any contact with his victims for life.

John Wilkinson, defending, said: “The defendant continues to maintain his innocence.”

Mr Wilkinson said there has been no hint of similar behaviour by Graham, before or since the date of the offences.

He added: “If he was of that nature then, he certainly is not of that nature now. It is very sad indeed, with the enormous passage of time there has been, if he has to go to prison.”

Judge Adams rejected the defence submission that the jail term could be suspended.