ANTHONY BUTTERS SHOCKING CRIME IN SHIPLEY: 13-YEAR SENTENCE FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Shipley, Anthony Butters, aged 48, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The conviction was handed down at Bradford Crown Court, where the judge, Jonathan Rose, did not hold back in condemning Butters for his actions.

Judge Rose described the offenses as a “gross and revolting violation” of the child, who is now in her late teens. The court heard that Butters was convicted by a jury on the previous Friday of multiple charges, including rape and indecent assault. These charges stemmed from a pattern of abuse that spanned over two years, during which the young girl was subjected to repeated molestation and sexual assault.

Throughout the sentencing, Butters displayed no remorse, as he shook his head while the sentence was being read. Judge Rose remarked, “As you continue to shake your head in the dock, I can see you do not have an ounce of remorse.” The severity of the crimes was underscored by the victim’s testimony, which was presented during the trial. The teenage girl recounted how Butters, who was residing in the Shipley area at the time, had told her during the abuse, “It’s our little secret,” a phrase that has become emblematic of the betrayal she experienced.

Prosecution barrister Louise Azmi read a statement from the girl to the court, revealing the profound impact the abuse had on her mental health. The statement detailed her struggles with sleep, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm behaviors, including burning possessions she cherished as a child. The girl also shared that she had been self-harming since the age of 13 and had pushed away friends and family members, which further isolated her.

Her academic performance had suffered, and she expressed a deep fear of being alone in a room with a man, reflecting the lasting trauma inflicted by Butters’ actions. The court’s verdict and the lengthy sentence serve as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of such crimes and the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse.