Grimsby man jailed over mortuary break-in
'Depraved' Damon Tingay sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court
A ‘depraved’ man who broke into a hospital mortuary in Grimsby, leaving a scene described as 'horrifying' by staff, has been given a 10 year sentence.
Damon Tingay, 30, of Grimsby was detained by security at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital after forcing his way inside, before proceeding to commit sexual acts on two bodies.
He appeared at Grimsby Crown Court in April where he pleaded guilty to tresspass with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual penetration of a corpse.
Police were first called at around 4.30am on Sunday 17 March, where Tingay was initially arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary .
Officers later discovered that a number of bodies in the care of the mortuary had been disturbed.
After a review of the mortuary's CCTV footage, it was discovered that Tingay had carried out sexual acts on two of the deceased and he was further arrested on suspicion of sexual offences.
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Nicole Elliott said: “This is a particularly disturbing case and I cannot even begin to comprehend the impact which this incident will have had on the family and friends of the deceased within the mortuary, staff members who responded to the incident and the wider local community.
“I hope that Tingay’s sentence today will provide them with a sense of reassurance that he has been brought to justice for his abhorrent crimes.
"Following these investigations and whilst Tingay was in our custody he was questioned by detectives and he could offer no explanation for his actions.
“The circumstances of this case and the nature of the offending is thankfully highly unusual and involves a level of depravity that is very rare. This was recognised by the sentencing Judge who described Tingay’s actions as depraved, perverted and utterly grotesque.
“Throughout this investigation our priority has always been to ensure the deceased were treated with dignity and respect in line with the wishes of their families and appropriate support has been provided to those affected.
“I know this incident has had a significant effect on family members, who were already experiencing the loss of a loved one, and I wish to thank them for their trust and support throughout the police investigation.
“I also wish to thank the police officers and our local partners who responded to this exceptional set of circumstances. Particularly the investigating officers who reviewed many hours of sensitive CCTV to obtain absolute clarity on what occurred, securing evidence which undoubtedly helped to put Tingay behind bars for his deplorable actions.
“I am reassured that Tingay is facing considerable time behind bars and unable to cause further harm to our communities.”
Tingay was given a 6 year custodial sentence, plus 4 years extended licence and deemed a dangerous offender.
He will also be subject to sex offender notification requirements and sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period.