Connor Morrison

Connor Morrison, a 27-year-old resident of Houghton-Le-Spring, was sentenced to nine years in prison for a series of child sexual offences committed against a young girl. The abuse, which left the victim feeling deeply unsafe and confused, involved multiple instances of rape and sexual assault over time.

Morrison initiated the abuse when the victim was a child, subjecting her to repeated sexual violations. The offences included two counts of rape, ten counts of sexual assault, one count of engaging in a sexual act in the presence of a child, one count of attempted sexual assault, and two counts of causing a child to engage in a sexual act. These non-recent crimes came to light after the victim, having endured the consequences for years, bravely reported the matter to the police.

In July 2024, Morrison was charged in connection with the attacks. Following a four-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court in October 2024, he was found guilty on all 16 counts. The sentencing took place on 8 December 2024 at the same court, where Judge [Name not specified in article] imposed the nine-year custodial sentence. Additionally, Morrison was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life and received a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his contact with children upon release.

• The victim stated in court: "At the time, I didn’t realise that what was happening to me was wrong – I thought it was normal. In my child’s mind, I always seen what was happening as some sort of game."
• She further described the impact: "Everything he did to me has had a devastating impact on my mental health. The abuse left me feeling deeply unsafe and confused for many years."

Detective Constable Steven Raeburn of Northumbria Police's Rape Investigation Team, who led the investigation, commended the victim's courage. The case, reported by Chronicle Live on 23 December 2025, highlights the long-term effects of such abuse and the importance of reporting historical offences.