'Sexual deviant' ex-Cleveland copper locked up for 29 years

Philip Magson targeted two young children when he befriended their mother and abused them both at their home and on a trip to Kirkleatham Gardens.

The sick pervert also prowled the streets of Thornaby where he made a disgusting sexual remark to a child when she fell over while roller skating before returning to the same area eight months later and sexually assaulting another young girl.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Magson had been convicted in the early 80s for sexually assaulting young girls while he was an off-duty Cleveland Police officer.

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The 61-year-old carried out his latest offending several years ago leaving some of his victims suffering high levels of anxiety, said Jonathan Walker, prosecuting.

In powerful victim impact statements, the parents of the victims outlined the pain and suffering that the defendant had inflicted on the children.

Philip Magson (Image: Cleveland Police)

Magson, formerly from the Teesside area but now of no fixed abode, was found guilty of six sexual offences when he was on trial earlier this year.

Chris Baker, mitigating, said there was limited mitigation he could offer due to the guilty convictions from the jury.

He said: “He appreciates that he has had his trial and lost.”

Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Magson to 21 years in prison with an extended eight years on licence when he is released.

“You are a man with a deviant sexual interest in children,” he said. “You are a dangerous offender, persistent and cunning.”

Magson was also made subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign on the sex offenders’ register for life.

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Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Carl Middleton, from Cleveland Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The actions of Magson are unforgivable and the sentence handed to him today highlights the severity of the crimes he has committed.

“Magson targeted children and the damage he has caused to the victims and their families is inexcusable.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victims and their families for their courage throughout the ordeal they have suffered and the court process. No child should have to provide evidence at court after becoming victim to such a cruel crime.

“Magson deserves to spend a significant time in prison as a result of what he has done.”