September 1999

Evil Paedophile jailed

John Armstrong, 41, of no fixed address, was also ordered by a judge to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Newcastle Crown Court was told he even took photographs of her after finding her in a cupboard where she was hiding in a bid to escape.

Prosecutor Tim Roberts said: “The photographs were finally to lead to his undoing.”Armstrong, who used to live at Houghton, was arrested after pictures were found in his jacket pocket.

He had no relevant previous convictions, and admitted charges of indecent assault and false imprisonment.John Evans, defending, said: “The defendant has pleaded guilty and spared the complainant the ordeal of having to give evidence.

“He told the court there was evidence of remorse on Armstrongs part that was not often shown in cases of this type.The court heard that the girl was under 14 when he molested her.

Judge David Hodson told Armstrong he had humiliated his victim when he handcuffed her and took photographs.”These offences can only be dealt with by a substantial sentence of imprisonment.

“The judge said the consequences of what Armstrong had done could remain with his victim for the rest of her life.