Non-recent sex abuse reported in 2022 results in 24-year sentence

Martin Jackson, now 46, abused the then school-aged girls in Sunderland, and threatened one of them with a knife after raping her.

The victims went on to tell a family member about what had happened, and Northumbria Police were informed.

Jackson was questioned shortly after the report was made over allegations of non-recent abuse and repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

But, following what was described as, “a complex investigation” by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, the defendant was charged with a string of child sexual offences, in September 2024.

Martin Jackson starting a 24-year prison sentence for historic abuse of two child victims (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Jackson, of Seymour Street, North Shields, was found guilty on 17 counts of child sexual abuse, after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, in December last year.

The offences comprised of five counts of sexual assault on a child, four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and eight counts of rape.                                    

Jackson appeared back before the same court on Monday (February 2) when a judge sentenced him to 24 years in prison, with a further one-year to spend on licence.

Apart from his long term of imprisonment, Jackson will also spend the rest of his life subject of registration as a sex offender.

Martin Jackson starting a 24-year prison sentence for historic sexual abuse of two girls (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Statements from the victim were read out at the hearing, in which they both spoke of a lasting impact on their mental health, including suffering from anxiety and panic attacks through to this day.

One of them said she had PTSD arising from the abuse which “haunts” her daily, saying when she leaves the house or goes to work,  “it comes back like a train plummeting at me”.

 The victim added: “When I’m at home, I am alone with the flashbacks of the abuse.

“It is constantly repeating in my head, as if it were still happening.

 “You would think my escape would be sleep, however, every single night I jolt awake from those nightmares that was my life for several years.”

The officer who led the police investigation, Detective Constable Gavin James, of Northumbria Police, said: “Martin Jackson is a sexual predator and a paedophile who preyed upon his young victims for his own sexual gratification.

“It is clear to me that he wanted to have control over the girls, even making threats if they were ever to speak out against him.

“While no outcome at court will ever take away from what has happened, I do hope this significant jail term will bring a sense of comfort to both survivors that their abuser is now behind bars.”

Det Con James added: “Above all else, I would especially like to commend the bravery of both victims involved.

“They have both shown immense courage in coming forward about the non-recent abuse they suffered at the hands of Jackson, and I wish them well in their journey forward.

“My advice to anyone out there who has read this and can sadly relate to our survivors’ stories of abuse, is to open up to whoever you can if possible and remember that your local police force is here for you.”

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

Men jailed for historic sex abuse in Peterlee, County Durham

South Shields paedophile jailed for historic sex abuse

Support can be accessed for victims of such abuse by visiting: Rape and sexual assault : Northumbria Police, on the force’s website.

To report any other type of recent or non-recent abuse, a direct message should be sent to the force on social media, using the ‘live chat’ function or by going to the ‘report’ pages, both on the force website.

 For those unable to contact police via those ways, then they should call 101.