00:00Philip Watson of Beach Road of South Shields was sentenced to seven years for offences
00:05involving three schoolboys during the 1990s. The assaults happened in Sunderland. Police said
00:12Watson abused the boys while working as a teaching assistant. The offences were reported on a school
00:18bus, in school showers and at a camp organised by school. It concerns conduct from more than
00:24three decades ago before criminal law. Watson was previously jailed for six years in 2017 for child
00:32sex offences involving three other boys linked to the same employment. Three victim survivors came
00:38forward, leading to investigations. Charges were brought in July 2024 and January 2025. Because
00:47offences happened before the Sexual Offences Act 2003, they were charged as indecent assault. Watson
00:53stood trial and was found guilty. He was sentenced on the 27th of August and will remain on the sex
01:00offenders register for life. His sexual harm prevention order remains in force. One officer
01:06said, I hope this case acts as a reminder to those who think they can rest easy because the offences
01:12happened years ago. We will find you and we will put you before the courts. He added, two victim
01:17survivors who were unsure about coming forward. I want to assure you that there is no time limit on
01:22justice. Whether the offences happened days, weeks, months, years or even decades ago, please tell us and
01:28we are here for you.
