Pedophile pensioner who abused young boys in the 1990s gets nearly 20 years in prison

A retired pedophile has been jailed for nearly 20 years for abusing young boys in the 1990s.

Alan Rutter, 78, from Easington, is expected to die in prison after serving 19 years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court this week.

He gave his young victims alcohol and made them watch porn, after which he abused them for years.

Some were only eight years old.

After a trial, he was found guilty of 11 charges, including child abduction, sexual acts with a child, sexual assault and sodomy – now classified as rape.

If he leaves prison before he dies, he will be on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

DCI Simon Turner, who led the investigation, said: “This was a clear case of child sexual exploitation, with Alan Rutter targeting young boys and keeping them out of school to fund his own crimes.

“This could not have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of specially trained detectives from Durham Police’s Complex Safeguarding Team.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get 3 months access for just £3, or get 30% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.

“I am pleased that the courts have delivered long-awaited justice for the many victims and that the seriousness of the offence has been recognised.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the victims who had the courage to come forward and reveal the appalling abuse Alan Rutter subjected them to as children.

“If anyone has been sexually abused, I would encourage you to contact Durham Police – we believe you.”