A man given a lengthy prison sentence today (Tuesday July 25) after being convicted of sexual assaults and voyeurism offences against a child remains in denial.

Alan Lee Pearson was arrested after a third-party contacted Cleveland Police with concerns for a teenage victim, in April 2021.

The victim disclosed that Pearson had carried out physical and sexual assaults over a number of years.

Specialist support was offered to the complainant while inquiries were undertaken.

Read more: Ageing County Durham sex offender appears to have no sexual boundaries

Extensive allegations were made against Pearson, following recovery and examination of various electronic devices, revealing indecent images and videos.

It resulted in 12 charges being brought against Pearson in March last year and he subsequently denied all of them at initial court appearances.

Despite his continued denials, even trying to shift the blame for some of the offences onto his accuser, he was found guilty of all charges, two of rape of a child under 13, seven counts of sexual assault, six in the most serious bracket, plus three of voyeurism, after a trial at Teesside Crown Court, concluding on May 2.

The 42-year-old defendant, of no fixed abode, appeared back before the court at his sentencing hearing, via video link from HMP Durham, where he has been on remand,

Asked by trial judge, Recorder Andrew Smith, if his “position” remains the same regarding his denials, Paul Abrahams, for Pearson, said: “No, he maintains his position as to what he said in evidence.”

Recorder Pearson told Pearson he would sentence him as an offender, “of particular concern.,” meaning he will have to serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before he can be considered eligible for releasee.

Referring to a background report prepared for the sentencing hearing, Recorder Smith said: “The Probation Service takes the view you pose a high risk of causing serious harm to children.

“Inevitable the only sentence that can be passed today is a lengthy sentence of imprisonment”, for what he described as, “behaving in this disgraceful way to a young child.”

Read more: County Durham sex offender back behind bars for court breach

Recorder Smith imposed a 16-year custodial element, to be followed by an extended 12-month period of licence supervision.

He told Pearson that unless his current attitude to his offending changes he may have to serve longer than the two-thirds custodial element of the sentence behind bars.

Agreed restrictions under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order will be confirmed in coming days, but Pearson must also now register as a sex offender, for life.

Speaking after the hearing, the officer who oversaw the case, Detective Sergeant Gemma Leeming, of Cleveland Police’s  CAVA (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult) department, said: “This was a horrific case of long-term systematic sexual and physical abuse until the victim bravely told someone what happened.

“As soon as police received the report about his offences, we took all possible steps to preserve evidence and build a strong case against Pearson who consistently denied any wrongdoing. 

“The victim was courageous and determined throughout, and the investigation team shared a determination to bring Pearson to justice.

“I welcome the sentence passed today and hope that the victim and family can now move on with their lives.

“I wish the victim well for the future.”

Safeguarding CAVA Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “I hope this sentence brings comfort to the victim and their family.

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"It should reassure anyone with concerns for the safety of a child or young person that they can report to Cleveland Police in complete confidence. 

“My specially trained officers will investigate all allegations thoroughly and sensitively and support is always available to victims and their family during the investigation and court process.”

He added: “You can report concerns to Cleveland Police at any time via the 101 number, or online via our website.”