In court, it was shown that a predator, Allen March Crook Paedophile, used a young girl’s “vulnerability” and became more confident as he carried out a series of progressively severe sexual assaults against her.
It is reported that Allen March was cognisant of the fact that the girl had fallen prey to internet grooming and was experiencing a period of emotional distress.
During the trial at Durham Crown Court, it was revealed that the victim first became aware of the defendant’s unwelcome advances when he sent her a message making inappropriate comments about her physique and breasts. The victim now suspects the defendant was testing the boundaries to see how far he could push his behaviour without consequences.
Allen March proceeded to commit sexual offences and subsequently raped the girl for the first time before her 13th birthday.
According to Joe Cully, the prosecutor, the defendant persistently abused the girl for several years. The victim, after being afraid for a significant period that she wouldn’t be taken seriously, eventually found the bravery to report his actions.
The defendant, aged 58, Allen March, and residing on Orchard Street in Crook, has been accused of committing 18 sexual offences, which include five counts of rape.
Despite his assertions and allegations of falsehood by his victim, he was found guilty of all 18 offences after a one-week trial at the court in May.
The ex-taxi driver reappeared in court today for the sentencing hearing, appearing via video link from Durham Prison.
According to Mr Cully, significant evidence came to light during the trial indicating that Allen March had sent an image of his genitalia to both a minor and a 17-year-old female passenger in his taxi.
The court was presented with the abuse victim’s impact statement, in which she described herself as a “highly susceptible child” at the time of her initial interaction with Allen March.
She expressed that she experienced low self-esteem and engaged in self-harm as a consequence of his behaviour, which significantly impacted her academic performance.
Furthermore, she reported experiencing recurrent distressing dreams and intrusive memories and displays heightened anxiety when in the company of males, exhibiting avoidance behaviours such as refusing to interact with male delivery drivers or travelling unaccompanied in taxis or public transportation.
In his statement for Allen March, Chris Baker claimed to have no prior criminal records. However, he acknowledged that he has already had a trial and is aware that no circumstances can lessen his guilt or punishment.
According to Mr Baker, the defendant has health concerns and “physical ailments” that he will have to suffer through throughout his “very long imprisonment.”
Judge James Adkin informed Allen March that he initiated the process of grooming the girl when she was a little child, and his favourable remarks about her physical appearance seemed to be a way of gauging her reaction.
The judge described particular testimony regarding the sexual abuse suffered by the victim as “disturbing and distressing to hear.”
Judge Adkin informed Allen March that although he was reputedly of excellent character in the past, the gravity of the offence diminishes the significance of this reputation.
The judge classified him as a “high-risk offender” and handed down a 23-year prison sentence, along with a one-year extension to his parole period.
Allen March will be required to spend a minimum of two-thirds of his 23-year sentence, which amounts to about 16 years before he becomes eligible for release on parole.
The individual was issued a lifelong restraining order and required to register as a sex offender due to their involvement with the victim. Additionally, they are obligated to comply with the requirements of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 30 years.
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