ANDREW DUTTON SENTENCED IN BLACKPOOL AND BENFLEET CHILD ABUSE CASE

In a recent case that has brought justice to light, police officers received heartfelt thanks from a survivor of sexual abuse for their compassionate and respectful treatment during the investigation and court proceedings. The case involved the heinous actions of Andrew Dutton, a 63-year-old man from Dean Street, Blackpool, who committed disturbing acts of abuse against two young boys in Benfleet during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The investigation was initiated by the Quest team, a specialized unit dedicated to probing historical child sexual abuse cases. Their inquiry was prompted by reports received in March and April of 2019, which brought to light the long-standing offenses committed by Dutton. The investigation uncovered evidence that led to charges against him for a total of ten criminal counts.

Andrew Dutton faced accusations of five counts of indecent assault and five counts of indecency with a child. These charges stemmed from his abusive actions against the two boys during the specified period in Benfleet, Essex. The case was brought before Basildon Crown Court, where Dutton stood trial and was found guilty of all ten charges on Wednesday, June 15.

Following the verdict, the court sentenced Dutton to a substantial prison term. On June 17, the same court handed down a combined sentence of 17 and a half years behind bars, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the impact on his victims. The case underscores the importance of persistent investigation into historical abuse allegations and highlights the dedication of law enforcement officers in seeking justice for survivors of such traumatic experiences.