Paedophile who abused two young girls decades ago was serving 17-year sentence at HMP Northumberland
A convicted child rapist who subjected two young girls to horrific sexual abuse decades ago has died while serving his sentence at HMP Northumberland.
Maurice Holiday, 80, died on 27 July whilst incarcerated at the prison near Ashington, prompting an investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO).
The Darlington paedophile had been serving a 17-year prison sentence with an additional year on licence after being found guilty of three counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault following a trial at Teesside Crown Court in 2020.
Decades of Abuse Uncovered
Holiday’s death comes four years into his sentence for crimes committed when he was a young man against two vulnerable girls. The court heard how he had groomed, raped and sexually assaulted his victims, using violence and threats to ensure their silence.
Recorder Allison Hunter QC, who presided over the 2020 trial, told Holiday: “She was subjected to these grotesque offences. There were threats against her to prevent her reporting the offences that you committed against her.”
The judge noted that Holiday had inflicted severe psychological harm on the vulnerable girls, adding: “You have shown no remorse.”
Already a Convicted Sex Offender
Disturbingly, Holiday was already a convicted sex offender when he committed these crimes. He had previously served a three-year prison sentence in 1965 for raping another underage girl whom he and others had lured from an amusement park.
Despite his previous conviction, Holiday went on to abuse more victims. The court heard how, as a young man, he touched and had sex with the first girl, who later realised she had been groomed. He then went on to rape and sexually assault another girl repeatedly, using violence and threats to maintain her silence.
Victims Forced to Relive Trauma
Holiday denied all wrongdoing, forcing his victims to endure the ordeal of giving evidence during the two-day trial. However, a jury unanimously convicted him on all charges – three counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault.
Following the verdict, the judge addressed the victims in the public gallery, saying: “Thank you for your dignity. I’m sorry that the process has been so difficult. I hope you feel that a measure of justice has been done in this case.”
Health Issues in Custody
At the time of his sentencing, the court heard that Holiday was on an “extensive medication regime” for multiple medical conditions including diabetes, sleep apnoea, back pain, a previous heart attack and a hernia.
He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life following his conviction.
Prison Service Response
A spokesperson for HMP Northumberland confirmed the death, stating: “We can confirm that one prisoner passed away at HMP Northumberland on 27 July. The next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the families.”
“All deaths in custody are investigated by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, and therefore we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
The PPO spokesperson confirmed they are investigating the death but could not provide any further details whilst the investigation is ongoing. As with all deaths in custody, the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding Holiday’s death and the care he received whilst in prison.
Support for Victims
Holiday’s death means he served just four years of his 17-year sentence for the horrific abuse he inflicted on his young victims decades ago. His case highlights the lasting trauma experienced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse, who often wait years or even decades before finding the courage to report their abusers.
For those affected by similar abuse, support is available. Children can contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111. Adults who wish to report abuse or have concerns for a child’s welfare can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.
The investigation into Holiday’s death is expected to take several months, with findings to be published by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in due course.
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