Stuart Cox

Stuart Cox, a 63-year-old man from Stockton in the North East of England, was jailed for 21 years following his conviction on 14 charges of depraved sexual offences against a child. The case, reported by Teesside Live and Chronicle Live, came to light after a jury found him guilty in September 2025 at Teesside Crown Court.

The offences involved horrific child sexual abuse, with Cox using pharmaceuticals on himself to perpetrate at least some of the acts. Appearing via video link from HMP Holme House during sentencing on 29 November 2025, Cox continued to deny the crimes despite the overwhelming evidence presented. Prosecutor Paul Cleasby read a poignant personal statement from the victim, who described the profound and lasting impact of the abuse.

Since the time of these crimes I have been isolated, keeping myself to myself. I didn't want to talk, I didn't want to open up. Throughout the years it has been a really long battle for justice and an ongoing struggle. It's been hard, I have gone to counselling to help ease my mind, thoughts and feelings, to help silence the pain and awful memories of what I went through. The truth is I will never forget it. What happened to me will stick to me like glue. I will never get to know why and that weighs heavy on my mind. I feel broken. I'm just shattered and I have never fully picked up all the pieces.

Judge Timothy Stead, in passing sentence, acknowledged the devastating lifelong effects on the victim, stating: I fear that [they] will bear the marks and anguish of this offending for the rest of [their] life. I hope it is not so. It seems to be, in all the circumstances, it has a near inevitability that it will be so. Mitigating, Andrew Turton noted that Cox had no prior convictions for similar offences, with his last court appearance in 1990 for unrelated matters.

In addition to the 21-year custodial sentence, Cox will serve one year on extended licence. He was also subjected to an indefinite restraining order, a sexual harm prevention order, and notification requirements as a registered sex offender. The case was investigated by Cleveland Police, highlighting their role in bringing this perpetrator to justice.