ANDREW MORTON, THE PREDATORY PAEDOPHILE FROM BLACKHALL AND HULL, FACES LIFE SENTENCE AFTER HORRIFIC ATTACKS

In June 2013, a disturbing case unfolded at Durham Crown Court involving Andrew Morton, a 32-year-old man accused of heinous crimes against a teenage girl. The court heard that Morton, who was formerly residing in Blackhall and more recently living on Ash Grove in Hull, subjected a 14-year-old girl to a series of brutal sexual assaults, raping her four times and coercing her into performing sex acts on him.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds described the terrifying ordeal, revealing that Morton used physical violence and intimidation to subdue his young victim. Specifically, Morton placed his hand around her throat and over her mouth, effectively choking her to maintain control during the assaults. This aggressive behavior underscored the dangerous and predatory nature of his actions.

Adding to the gravity of the case, Mr. Dodds pointed out that Morton had a prior conviction for a violent rape, for which he received a ten-year prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court in 2004. This history of violent sexual offenses highlighted the ongoing threat he posed to the community.

During the trial, the jury found Morton guilty of four counts of rape, one charge of engaging in sexual activity with a child, and two counts of inciting a child to perform a sex act. The verdict confirmed the severity of his crimes and the danger he represented.

Judge Christopher Prince addressed the court, describing Morton as a “dangerous predatory paedophile” who relentlessly pursued his young victim. The judge emphasized the violent methods Morton employed, including choking and physical restraint, which demonstrated a ferocious intent to harm and exploit.

In considering the appropriate sentence, Judge Prince stated that he was contemplating a life imprisonment or a term of 27 years, which would include an extended license period. His primary concern was the safety of the public, and he acknowledged the complex legal considerations involved in sentencing such a serious case.

Morton was remanded into custody immediately and is scheduled to be sentenced within the next two months, with the final decision on his punishment to be made after further legal submissions from both the prosecution and defense.