Alan Lee Pearson

Alan Lee Pearson, a 42-year-old man from Middlesbrough with no fixed abode, has been sentenced to a significant prison term following his conviction for a series of serious sexual offences against a child. The case came to light in April 2021 when a third party contacted Cleveland Police with concerns for the welfare of a teenage victim. The victim disclosed that Pearson had subjected them to physical and sexual assaults over a number of years.

Investigations by Cleveland Police's Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult (CAVA) department led to the recovery and examination of various electronic devices belonging to Pearson. These devices revealed indecent images and videos, substantiating extensive allegations against him. In March 2023, Pearson faced 12 charges, which he denied at initial court appearances. Despite his continued denials and attempts to shift blame onto the victim during the trial, a jury at Teesside Crown Court found him guilty on all counts on May 2, 2024. The convictions included two counts of rape of a child under 13, seven counts of sexual assault (six in the most serious category), and three counts of voyeurism.

Pearson appeared for sentencing on July 25, 2024, via video link from HMP Durham, where he had been on remand. Recorder Andrew Smith, the trial judge, described Pearson as an offender 'of particular concern', noting that the Probation Service assessed him as posing a high risk of causing serious harm to children. The judge imposed a 16-year custodial sentence, to be followed by a 12-month extended period of licence supervision. Pearson must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before eligibility for release, and unless his attitude towards his offending changes, he may serve the full term.

In addition to the prison sentence, Pearson is required to register as a sex offender for life. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order with agreed restrictions will be confirmed in the coming days to further protect the public. Speaking after the hearing, Detective Sergeant Gemma Leeming of Cleveland Police’s CAVA department stated: 'This was a horrific case of long-term systematic sexual and physical abuse until the victim bravely told someone what happened. As soon as police received the report about his offences, we took all possible steps to preserve evidence and build a strong case against Pearson who consistently denied any wrongdoing.' She praised the victim's courage and the determination of the investigation team in bringing Pearson to justice.

Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King, head of Safeguarding CAVA, added: 'I hope this sentence brings comfort to the victim and their family. It should reassure anyone with concerns for the safety of a child or young person that they can report to Cleveland Police in complete confidence.' The case underscores the importance of thorough police investigations in child protection matters, with specialist support provided to the victim throughout the process.