Paedophile who abused two victims jailed

A paedophile who stole the childhoods of two young girls has been jailed for 25 years – thanks to the bravery of his victims.

Thomas Reay subjected his victims to multiple rapes and sexual assaults over the course of a number of years and was brought to justice for his horrific actions on Tuesday.

The 65-year-old was swiftly arrested by officers after his victims found the courage to report the offending to a loved one in May of this year.

An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department and Reay was subsequently charged with a string of offences and remanded in custody.

Reay, of Hesleyside Drive, Newcastle, later pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to 16 child sex offences in July.

He appeared before Durham Crown Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced to 25 years behind bars.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Paul Armstrong, of Northumbria Police, said:

Reay subjected the victims in this case to horrific ordeals over the course of a number of years, and I am pleased the courts have seen fit to hand him a very lengthy custodial sentence.

Reay is a vile predator who stripped his victims of their childhood innocence through repeated abuse.

I would like to praise the victims for their incredible bravery and courage to come forward because if they had not taken that first step of telling a loved one what had happened, Reay might not be behind bars today.

No sentence will ever detract from the trauma they suffered, but I hope this lengthy sentence can provide some degree of closure which will allow them to move forward with their lives.

Protecting the vulnerable and ensuring the most serious offenders like Reay are brought to justice are our top priorities as a Force.

I would urge anyone who has been a victim, or wants to share information about an offender, to get in touch. We will support you and we will believe you.