Gary Dawson

A convicted sex offender from the Middlesbrough area appeared at Teesside Crown Court, where he admitted to a series of historical sexual offences against a child. Gary Dawson, aged 58 and currently of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault dating back to the mid-1980s. The assaults were committed when Dawson himself was a young man, targeting a victim under the age of 14.

The hearing, reported by The Northern Echo crime and court reporter Graeme Hetherington, took place at Teesside Crown Court in Middlesbrough. Dawson, who chose to represent himself initially, urged Recorder Simon Healey KC to proceed with sentencing immediately. He stated in court: "I’m guilty and deserve whatever sentence you are going to give." Despite his insistence, the judge adjourned the case until next month to ensure Dawson secures legal representation, given the serious and complex nature of the offending. The adjournment also allows time for the charges to be clarified and for Dawson to prepare his mitigation.

Dawson was remanded in custody following the plea hearing. Cleveland Police were involved in the investigation that led to these charges being brought decades after the offences occurred. The case highlights ongoing efforts to address historical child sex offences in the Teesside region.