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A "misogynistic" businessman has been sentenced to three years behind bars for a series of child sex offences.

Grant Findley, 42, from Burnhope, previously ran the roofing company Findley Roofing and Building based in Hartlepool.

Following a trial in December, he was found guilty of 10 offences of sexual activity with a child in October and November 2021.

He was also found guilty of meeting a child for sexual grooming.

'Overwhelming arrogance'

During sentencing at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday, Her Honour Judge Kidd said Findley had manipulated his victim into trusting him and had tried to hide the offences by claiming she was a “troublesome teenager”.

The judge said Findley had displayed “overwhelming arrogance and self regard” and was “profoundly warped and misogynistic”.

Along with a three year prison sentence he was placed on a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.

According to Companies House, Findley of Findley Roofing and Building in February.

In a statement, representatives of the business said: "With families of our own, we were all shocked and appalled by these abhorrent crimes.

"For around two years, Grant hid the criminal investigation from the business in what we now regard as a major breach of trust.

“We would like to praise the tremendous courage displayed by the victim during the investigation and trial, and all of our thoughts remain with her.”

The company said once it became aware of Findley's conviction, it "fast-tracked his removal from the business", transferred ownership and is now rebranding.

"We would like to make clear that there's no link between Grant's crimes and the business, which Dean Coombe has operated day-to-day for the past three years and will continue to do so going forward," a statement added.

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