Sunderland man sentenced for sexual activity with child

A Sunderland man who pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child has been sentenced today at Newcastle Crown Court. 

Andrew Bennett, 47, of Gleneagles Road, Sunderland was sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. 

The charges were brought in relation to offences committed against the boy last year. 

Andrew Jones of CPS North East, said: “Andrew Bennett forced himself upon his young victim, touching him inappropriately before attempting to incite him into further sexual acts. The boy told his family of what had happened the following day and they then contacted police.

“During his first interview with police Bennett denied having touched his victim, claiming only to have spoken to the boy at the time of the alleged attacks, but then claimed that his behaviour had been affected by slimming tablets when further physical evidence was shown to him. 

“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with police, piecing together forensic evidence and witness testimony to build a robust case, which has been instrumental in securing guilty pleas to all charges against the defendant. 

“Andrew Bennett carried out these attacks in selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification and the impact on this boy has been significant. We sincerely hope that the sentence passed today provides some measure of comfort to him.”