Northallerton man jailed for 12 years for child sexual offences

A Northallerton man has been jailed after being found guilty of 16 child sex offences.

Raymond Douglas Mackley, 81, of The Green, Romanby, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by Teesside Crown Court on 6 November 2023.

He stood trial in September and was found guilty by jury of eight counts of sexual activity with a child, six counts of sexual assault against a child under 13, and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Mackley’s offending spanned a period of several years and came to light when one of his victims disclosed to a family member that she had been abused by him as a child and had kept it secret for years. Her disclosure also led to another victim coming forward who had also suffered similar abuse.

Mackley was a trusted adult who abused that trust for his own sexual gratification.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Gillian Gowling of Northallerton CID, said: “Mackley carried out a blatant and sickening series of offences against his victims over several years, yet maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, showing no remorse for what he had done.

“The victims have shown great bravery in coming forward and providing the evidence that led to his conviction. They have lived with the secrecy of the abuse for many years and were initially reluctant to report it to the police, believing that nothing could be done or they wouldn’t be believed. The abuse and the burden of secrecy they carried has had a lasting impact on their lives that continues to this day.

“I hope the outcome helps them to put the past behind them, knowing that they were believed, that justice has been done, and that the only person responsible for this abuse is now behind bars.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please do not suffer in silence, please report what is happening to you, whether it’s happening now or if it happened in the past. We will investigate thoroughly. Your information may also help to protect other people from abuse.”

Mackley was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life. 

Reporting rape or sexual assault to North Yorkshire Police

To report a sexual assault or rape to North Yorkshire Police, please call our non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency.

If you are more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here.

Other agencies who can help

If you do not want to report to police, there are other agencies who are able to offer support and advice.

IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. You can find more information on their website www.idas.org.uk or contact them 03000 110 110.

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.

Survive - Survive offers specialist counselling and support work to all adults across North Yorkshire who have experienced sexual trauma - the term we use to describe the long term effects of sexual violence. Find out more on their website here - Sexual abuse support services in York | Survive, York (survive-northyorks.org.uk)

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

For young people, Childline is available on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

Details on how to contact North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership can be found on their website  - www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

Details on how to contact City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) can be fuond on their website - www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk