Harold Covell

Harold Covell, an 85-year-old former scuba diving instructor from Ripon, North Yorkshire, faced charges of sexually assaulting two girls during his time as a long-standing instructor. The offences came to light, leading to his appearance at Newcastle Crown Court, where he was deemed unfit to plead by Judge Robert Spragg last year due to significant health issues.

In December, a jury trial proceeded without Covell's plea, and the jury found that he had indeed committed the acts of sexual assault as accused. Covell, also known as Archie Covell and residing at Glebe Meadows, Sharow, Ripon, had no previous convictions. The case was pursued in the public interest, particularly for the sake of the complainants, despite his deteriorating condition.

On 9 February 2024, sentencing occurred in Covell's absence, as he was excused from attending due to being bedridden and unable to leave home except for medical appointments. Judge Spragg reviewed Probation Service and psychiatric reports detailing Covell's ill health, stemming from a severe head injury sustained in a fall in July 2022, which impaired his cognitive functioning. The judge noted that Covell would not have been able to follow the proceedings.

Given the circumstances, Judge Spragg stated that nothing other than an absolute discharge could be imposed on both counts of sexual assault. He remarked, 'It seems inadequate, but entirely dictated due to the injury suffered by him in July 2022.' The probation report assessed Covell as posing little risk of further serious harm. Consequently, no requirement to register as a sex offender was imposed, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was deemed unnecessary and inappropriate.

The judge informed the complainants that they could apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. He added that the jury's finding that Covell had 'done the acts' complained of might provide some level of closure, enabling them to move on. The case was reported by Bruce Unwin, Crime and Court Reporter for the Darlington and Stockton Times, based on proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court.