Ian Maughan 65

Description

A County Durham sex offender who threatened his victim and other witnesses with violence has been jailed for 13 years.

Ian Maughan deliberately drew out proceedings in the case, even remaining silent when the charges were initially put to him, at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court in March last year.

But following a series of hearings since, including an aborted trial in late July last year, he finally admitted all seven counts he was facing, the final five after the start of his rearranged trial at the court last month.

The 65-year-old defendant, formerly of Consett, appeared back before the court on Friday (July 18) by video link from Durham Prison, for his sentencing hearing.

He was facing sentence for sexual assaults, threatening a person with an offensive weapon, possessing an offensive weapon, a baseball bat, stalking involving serious alarm and making threats to kill.

The court was read statements by two of his victims who outlined the deep psychological effect his offending has had on them, one of whom has been undergoing counselling for the last 18 months and still suffers nightmares.

She said the defendant told her no-one would believe her and she felt like he was transferring the blame to her.

Jennifer Coxon, for Maughan, said there had been no previous pattern of sexually obsessive behaviour by the defendant.

She said while he does have past convictions, the last was in 2001 and he has never previously been in custody.

Miss Coxon said the offences took place after the death of the defendant's wife and following another family bereavement.

"He's realistic and understands he will receive a lengthy custodial sentence.

"But it's identified that his behaviour was extremely out of character for him."

Miss Coxon said at the time he committed the offences he was suffering with a fluctuating adjustment disorder and depressive symptoms accounting for some of his erratic behaviour.

"He doesn't put that forward as an excuse.

"He's well aware of his behaviour and how awful it would have been at the time," added Miss Coxon.

Judge Jo Kidd said he was responsible for "horrible offences" against his victims.

"You are a deeply manipulative and controlling individual," she told him.

She said he made repeated threats to try to exert control over his victims, who have been left seriously affected psychologically by his offending.

The judge imposed sentences totalling 13 years of which the defendant must serve at least two-thirds, eight years and eight months, behind bars.

When he is released he will also be subject of licence supervision for the remainder of the 13 years.

He will also be subject to notification as a sex offender for life.

Restraining orders, also for life, prohibit him from ever approaching or trying to contact his victims.