February 2023

Paedophile abused girl who realised it was wrong after sex education class at school

A girl who was sexually abused by a 43-year-old man said she didn’t know what was happening was wrong until a sex education class at school.

Paedophile Alan Trattles denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by a jury at Teesside Crown Court in November last year.

He appeared in court via video link from HMP Durham to be sentenced on Monday.

The court heard that a police investigation was launched after the brave victim, who had to give evidence in court during the trial, told a friend who reported the abuse to their mum. In a victim impact statement, the girl said she had begun to self-harm.

She said: “After I reported the abuse, I began to have nightmares and would wake up drenched in sweat. I have flashbacks. I sleep with the lights on.

“I have had to wait years for the case to come to court, and I have been unable to have counselling until the trial was over – in case it affected my evidence. My mum worked hard to keep me alive – my emotions were so raw.”

Judge Howard Crowson told Trattles that it was fortunate his victim realised what was happening was wrong as she was too young to understand the nature of his actions.

Trattles, of Atlee Road in Grangetown, Middlesbrough showed no emotion as he was jailed for nine-years. He will be placed under supervision by the probation service on his release.