ANTHONY CHURTON FROM LEIGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN BOLTON

In September 2020, a deeply disturbing case unfolded involving Anthony Churton, a man from Leigh, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl under the age of 13. The incident, which took place in Bolton, has left a lasting scar on the victim and her family, highlighting the devastating impact of such offences.

Churton, aged 35, was found guilty of raping the pre-teen girl and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison. The court also imposed a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order to prevent any further contact or offences. The court heard that Churton was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the offences, which occurred in November of the previous year.

The victim’s family provided a heartbreaking account of her ongoing trauma. They revealed that she has become so distressed that she refuses to leave her home in Leigh, even to attend school. Her mental health has significantly deteriorated since the assault, with her pulling out her hair and banging her head against walls in her attempt to cope with the trauma. The family shared that she has expressed suicidal thoughts and has been referred for mental health counselling to help her recover from the emotional scars inflicted upon her.

In a statement read aloud in court, her family described her as being utterly devastated, noting that she has not slept properly for months. They recounted a particularly distressing incident where, after watching a television programme depicting suicide, she asked her family how she could end her life. Her condition has worsened to the point where she refuses to leave her home, even to use the toilet alone, illustrating the profound impact of the abuse she endured.

Judge Graeme Smith described the emotional damage inflicted on the young girl as both tragic and severe. He emphasized that her self-harming behaviors, her refusal to leave her home, and her suicidal thoughts are clear indicators of the profound trauma she has suffered. The judge condemned the use of alcohol and drugs as an excuse for such outrageous conduct, underscoring the seriousness of the offences.

Churton appeared in court via video link from HMP Forest Bank, where he had been held since his arrest. The case had been adjourned in July 2020 to allow for a pre-sentencing report and a psychiatric assessment. During the proceedings, Judge Smith acknowledged that Churton had a relatively limited criminal history but warned that the offences were extremely serious, warranting a lengthy custodial sentence.

Addressing Churton directly, the judge noted that his guilty plea would be taken into account during sentencing and that he would receive appropriate credit. The judge also reminded him of the legal obligation to keep police informed of his personal details, given the nature of his convictions. The case underscores the devastating consequences of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims in Leigh, Bolton, and beyond.