September 2023

Man sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of sex assaults on child

A victim who was sexually assaulted by a predatory paedophile has been praised by officers for coming forward after her attacker was given a nine-year prison sentence.

Colin Routledge gave money and gifts to his victim and also used a fake profile on social media to contact her.

The 78-year-old would later inappropriately touch the child on several occasions.

The victim bravely came forward years later and her family contacted police about the abuse Routledge subjected her to, with officers from Northumbria Police immediately beginning an investigation.

Routledge was arrested and charged with four counts of sexual assault.

He denied the offences but was convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

At the same court on Friday, August 25, Routledge of Laburnum Gardens, Gateshead, was sentenced to nine years in prison.

He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.