Children's charity speaks out after South Tyneside foster carer jailed for indecently assaulting a schoolboy

Jean McGarry, who has looked after around 50 children during her career, "took advantage of" a teenage boy three decades ago.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how McGarry, who is now 65-year-old, "jumped on" the victim, who had been drinking gin, as they walked through a quiet cut together.

The attack came to an end when a passer-by walked through the thoroughfare and disturbed it.

Now children’s charity the NSPCC has spoken out saying this case is ‘proof’ sexual offenders will be brought to justice.

An NSPCC spokesperson has said: “This case is proof that anyone who commits a sexual offence against a child can still be brought to justice no matter how many years have passed.

“The NSPCC would advise anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward regardless of when it happened or who the perpetrator was.”

McGarry, of Colwyn Parade, Hebburn, who has now lost her position as foster carer, denied indecent assault but was found guilty by a jury after a trial at the end of last year.

The court heard the victim was not one of McGarry’s foster children.

Judge Amanda Rippon said she accepted the offence was a "one off, out of character incident" but jailed McGarry, who had been on bail, for 22 months.

McGarry must now sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.