November 2006

Children shown porn film

A MOTHER has admitted showing a sex film to children as young as five.

Theresa Gloria Betts admitted four charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act for her own gratification.

The offences took place at her home in Queensberry Road, Seaham, (moved in 2006) between April and October last year, Durham Crown Court heard.

None of the victims can be named for legal reasons, but their ages range from five to 15 years.

Betts, 32, initially denied all the charges, but pleaded guilty on the day of trial.

Michael Graham, prosecuting, said the Crown would offer no evidence on three other charges.

Judge Richard Lowden sentenced Betts to a two-year community order with supervision when she appeared at Newcastle Crown Court 

She was told she must also sign as a sex offender for five years and has been banned from working with children for 10 years.