November 2020

Courtroom erupts as high risk sex offender dragged to cells after outburst

An arrogant sex offender had to be dragged to the cells as a judge lost patience with his courtroom outbursts.

Mouthy Andrew Giddings had appeared to be sentenced for breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for an earlier offences of engaging a 13 year old girl in sexual intercourse

But after being handed a five minute cooling off period, the 32-year-old defendant gobbed off again to a judge before the courtroom burst into life and additional security officers were called in.

Judge Recorder Darren Preston had been telling the defendant how he had “no regard at all for court orders” when he took exception.

Giddings piped up at Teesside Crown Court, prompting the judge to order for him to be taken down to the cells to be sentenced in his absence.

A loud commotion could be heard as the defendant shouted “don’t push me, f***ing a*******s” and “get off me”.

The court clerk then rang security for more support as further commotion was heard from the back of the court.

Giddings, of Norton Road, Stockton, had appeared to be sentenced after admitting breaching a SHPO.

Due to being classed as a high risk offender, he’s monitored and must comply with a number of requirements.

But the court heard he breached this.

Nicci Horton, mitigating, said her client accepts that he had done wrong and wants to reduce his risk in the future.

Judge Darren Preston said: “You have demonstrated through the last several years that you are just going to do what you want.”

He added the defendant has been “repeatedly breaching court orders”.

The judge said: “This case is one of particular seriousness because of the defendant’s persistence.”

“It’s hard to imagine a more serious breach,” he added.

Giddings was jailed for 22 months.

September 2017

Sex offender took off from court before being sentenced – now police have a warrant for his arrest

A warrant for the arrest of a sex offender has been issued after he walked away from court before being sentenced.

Andrew Lee Giddings, who is on the sex offenders register, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an annual notification requirement at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

But before being sentenced, District Judge Kristina Harrison sent the 29-year-old off to see probation officers in order for them to write up a report.

However, during the meeting, Giddings took off and failed to return.

A member of the probation service told the court that Giddings, of Kentport Court, Portrack, Stockton had told them “he wasn’t coming back” before leaving the premises.

Ms Harrison issued a warrant for his arrest.

March 2009

Pervert had sex with 13-year-old girl

A Stockton man has been jailed for three years for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Andrew Giddings, 21, had been drinking and was thrown out by his partner before he turned up at the girl’s Stockton home early one January morning this year.

He had sex with her knowing she was 13, prosecutor Christopher Attwooll told Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

The encounter was reported to the girl’s family and to the police the next day.

Mr Attwooll said when she was interviewed by officers the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons said that “it just happened”, he put his arm around her and asked her to kiss him.

“She did not object. She denied he forced himself on her.”

Giddings, of Cleatlam Close, Stockton, at first claimed he thought she was 16, but later admitted causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He had previous convictions for violence but had no sexual offences.

Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told Giddings: “There has to be an immediate prison sentence. Giving you credit for your plea of guilty, the sentence is that of three years imprisonment.”

Giddings will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register.