Nathan Henderson

A serving police officer from Cleveland Police appeared in court on charges related to child sex offences. Nathan Henderson, aged 30 and residing in Norton, Stockton, faced 11 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, spanning from August 2023 to July 2024, along with one count of perverting the course of justice on 28 May 2024.

The hearing took place at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, where Henderson, who entered the courtroom using a walking stick and dressed in a grey sweater and black trousers, spoke only to confirm his name and address. Prosecuting, John Garside did not provide details of the case during the brief proceedings, and defence representative Julian Gaskin made no application for bail.

District Judge Marie Mallon remanded Henderson in custody, with his next appearance scheduled for Durham Crown Court on 28 August 2024. Following the charges, Cleveland Police suspended Henderson from duty and referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland addressed the public concern, stating: “I know this case will cause concern amongst our local communities and residents in the Cleveland area, and also the wider community. I want to reassure people that we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously. We will always prioritise protecting and safeguarding victims of crime and preventing any further risk to the wider public.” The case has drawn attention in the Cleveland region, including areas such as Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Stockton-on-Tees.