1885 in Gateshead, 18 year old Matthew Oliphant was looking
after the 7 year old daughter of his landlady. As he was putting the little
girl to bed he sexually abused her,
after threatening to thrash her if she told anyone. After he was arrested and
charged on the 28th March 1875 with carnally knowing and abusing 7 year old
Elizabeth Harrison, it was found that Elizabeth was also suffering from a
sexual disease passed on by Matthew Oliphant.
He was found guilty of indecent assault and sentenced to 15
months hard labour.
