Rotherham woman who was 11 when she sexually assaulted child walks free from court

A 24-year-old woman who was aged 11-14 when she sexually assaulted a child has avoided jail.

Linda Newby, of Constable Close, Flanderwell, arranged teddy bears as an audience to watch when she assaulted a child, the court heard.

The offences took place on at least three occasions between July 2013 and July 2017, with the victim coming forward in 2023.

The victim shared how this has had such a “devastating” impact on their life, and that they “still suffer with flashbacks and nightmares”.

Mark Thomas, prosecuting, said: “The defendant had the victim touch her sexually - and described Newby arranging teddies as an audience to watch them.”

It was in 2023 when the victim went to the police - and in the victim's personal statement which was read out in court, they said through sobs: “I tried to keep it in but the thoughts just got worse.

“Through this entire process why couldn’t you just admit it.”

As the complainant read out the statement, Newby was seen to be crying inside the dock.

It was heard that Newby pleaded guilty on the second day of the trial after she saw the complainant’s video recorded interview.

The victim said: “I genuinely commend you for finding the courage to finally tell the truth.”

Despite their ordeal, the victim said they did not want Newby to be jailed.

After finishing the statement, Judge Michael Slater commended the victim and said: “That’s one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen.”

Zaiban Alam, defending, said Newby is “consumed by deep shame and remorse”, describing this case as “incredibly sad and difficult”.

She said: “She knows her plea was late but that wasn’t because she set out to lie.”

When Newby saw the victim's interview video, “she knew the victim was telling the truth - she knew she had to do the right thing,” the barrister explained.

She added: “Since this offending, she has lived a good and decent life because she is a good and decent person.

“She has spent the last 10 years atoning for her conduct as a child.”

Ms Alam said Newby will spend the rest of her life “trying to atone for this offending”.

Judge Slater accepted Newby’s remorse is “genuine” but told the defendant it was “a serious case of sexual offending by you as a child”.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Newby was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, suspended for two years for three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Judge Slater said: “I would just like to commend the victim for the bravery and resourcefulness shown”

“All I can hope is that things get a little better.”