Sheila Robson

Sheila Robson, a 27-year-old woman from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been sentenced to two years and seven months in prison for sexually abusing a young child under the encouragement of a paedophile, Carl Thompson. The case came to light following a police raid on Thompson's home in Gateshead in February 2024, prompted by his online messages to undercover officers about abusing children.

At Durham Crown Court, it was revealed that Robson admitted to sexually assaulting a child, as well as taking and distributing indecent images of a youth. Court proceedings detailed how Robson shared explicit messages and images with Thompson, 35, via WhatsApp. In one exchange, Robson described the molestation as feeling 'so good' and expressed a desire for Thompson to have sex with both her and the child. Judge Robert Adams noted that Robson had been manipulated by Thompson, who encouraged her actions to fulfil his fantasies, but emphasised that she was 'ultimately responsible' for actively engaging in the abuse.

The investigation uncovered messages where Robson told Thompson, 'This feels so good, I can't lie,' while sending him naked pictures of the youngster. Had Thompson survived to face trial—he died before sentencing—the judge stated he would have received a 'significant' jail term for his role in encouraging the offences. Robson must now sign the sex offenders' register for life and comply with a 12-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting her internet use and contact with children.

The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and manipulation in facilitating child sex offences, with Durham Police's intervention preventing further harm. Judge Adams expressed 'deep concerns' about potential escalation if the communications had not been discovered.