Craig Elliott Jailed for Child Sex Assaults After Fleeing UK
Guilty Verdict at Durham Crown Court
Craig Elliott, 32, has been found guilty of two counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13. The offences, involving inappropriate touching, occurred in early October 2021. The verdict came down on the third day of his trial at Durham Crown Court.
Defendant Vanished Before Trial
The trial opened on Monday amid confusion over Elliott’s whereabouts. He failed to attend court, with suspicions he might have fled to Ireland. Elliott, once of West Crescent, Easington Colliery, was living in East Kilbride, Scotland while on remand. He denied all charges at an earlier plea hearing on 2 November.
Harsh Sentence and Lifetime Sex Offender Registration
Judge James Adkin handed Elliott a 40-month prison sentence. He ruled Elliott must register as a sex offender indefinitely. The Crown intends to push for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim once Elliott is arrested and brought to court.
Manhunt Underway – Public Help Urged
The judge issued a bench warrant for Elliott’s arrest without bail. Authorities are appealing for information to find him. Anyone with details is urged to call 101 immediately.
