July 2008

Jail for abuse ‘of the worst kind’

A PAEDOPHILE who made kids play games with knives and BB guns has been jailed indefinitely for the rape and sexual assault of a young girl.

Sean Andrew Diggle, 43, of Weardale Crescent, Billingham, was told he would serve at least four and a half years before he is considered for parole.

Diggle pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and sexual assault of a child under 13.

But he denied having any sexual motivation for his offences, leading a judge to brand him “warped and distorted”.

At Teesside Crown Court, Michael Bosomworth, prosecuting, said Diggle had engaged children to play strip poker and with BB guns and knives.

His victim said: “When I think about what he did to me it makes me cry.”

When Diggle heard police had been made aware of his offences he attempted suicide by taking an overdose of pills. He was arrested the next day. He told police: “It’s a horrible thing to have happened and it’s all my fault.”

Charges over a further offence committed against another young girl were dropped. Diggle’s defence barrister Brian Russell said: “He didn’t want either of those two young girls to have the chore of giving evidence. I would submit that is an important matter in this case.”

Judge Peter Bowers jailed Diggle indefinitely and ordered that he serve a minimum of four and a half years. He also ordered that Diggle be put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

He said: “You offer no explanation and deny any sexual motivation or gratification took place. I’m very worried about the warped and distorted thinking which is apparent. This abuse is the very worst of its kind.”