Leonard Paun

Leonard Paun, 23, of Windsor Avenue, Gateshead, was among five men convicted at the end of an eight-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court on 14 October 2024. The Romanian offender was found guilty of five counts of rape, two counts of arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence, sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, supplying a Class A drug, and distributing photos of a child. These crimes were part of a grooming operation that sexually exploited six girls aged 13 to 16 in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, between 2014 and 2019.

The Northumbria Police investigation exposed the gang's methods of using drugs and alcohol to groom and abuse victims, often sharing them among members. Paun's role included distributing indecent images, compounding the exploitation in the Bensham community.

• Charges highlighted included multiple rapes and the facilitation of child sex offences through drug supply.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr acknowledged the victims' fortitude: 'I want to start by praising the bravery, composure and dignity of the victims in this case.' From the CPS, Charlotte Dennison noted: 'Those convicted today each played a part in grooming vulnerable girls into sexual activity, with some of the victims being exploited by multiple men after being plied with drugs and alcohol.'

While a sixth defendant was cleared, the guilty verdicts for Paun and others await sentencing at a later proceeding.