February 2023

County Durham pervert told child he was carrying out a ‘naughty game’ during sex act involving cuddly toy

A County Durham pervert who carried out a sex act involving a “cuddly toy” in front of a young child has been put behind bars.

Thomas Lock carried out the disgusting act with the aid of a cuddly toy in front of a child. The 32-year-old told the child he was carrying out a “naughty game” and denied everything when arrested.

Lock was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Thursday for engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a child. He continues to deny the offence but was found guilty by a jury after a trial.

Nick Adlington, prosecuting, said Lock – who appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham – carried out the sex act and involved a “cuddly toy” whilst in the presence of a child.

Sentencing Lock, Judge Jo Kidd said: “You were convicted by a jury and maintain you are not guilty. This was a deeply troubling incident, potentially foreshadowing further sexual offences, and was used in a manipulative way by using a toy to normalise your sexual activity. You called it a naughty game.”

Lock, of High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland, was jailed for 30 months and will be on the sex offender’s register indefinitely. An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also imposed