Hartlepool child abuser jailed after brave victim remembered NSPCC message and reported him

Alan Novak, 65, repeatedly abused the young girl over a period of years.

But she told another adult what had happened to her after being taught the NSPCC’s PANTS rule at school.

The underwear rule uses the acronym which stands for Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you.

It led to Novak, of Park Square, Hartlepool, being investigated and charged by Durham Constabulary.

He was later convicted at Durham Crown Court of four counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13, and one of causing a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Novak denied the offences but was found guilty after a trial and jailed for 54 months on November 20.

He will also be on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

In a victim impact statement, one of the girl’s family members said: "The NSPCC’s educational videos were our saviour in this.

“They helped her to realise that what had happened wasn’t okay, and that grown-ups shouldn’t behave like that.

“Our focus now is convincing her she is a survivor, that it’s her strength and courage that define her.

"With the support she has around her with family, friends and the pastoral team at school, we hope this can be achieved.”

Heidi Weir, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, who led the investigation, said: “This was a complex investigation which involved a young victim, whose bravery and courage must be recognised.

"If anybody suspects one of their relatives, friends or neighbours to be victim of a similar crime then please contact us – we will do everything we can to bring the offenders to justice and to safeguard our vulnerable members of the community.”

Helen Westerman, head of local campaigns for the NSPCC, said the case showed the importance of helping to ensure children know how to speak out.

She added: “By sharing this message, we can continue to give children the support, confidence and knowledge to recognise abuse and speak out against offenders like Novak.”

Information about the PANTS rule for families can be found at the NSPCC website.

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