ARNOLD BOULTON FROM SALTNEY FERRY JAILED FOR RAPE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NORTH WALES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Saltney Ferry and the wider North Wales region, Arnold Boulton, a 67-year-old man from Flint Road, Saltney Ferry, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a vulnerable teenage girl. The incident, which took place in September 2004, involved a 14-year-old girl who was a runaway and considered particularly susceptible due to her age and circumstances.

Following his conviction, Boulton was also mandated to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his future activities related to sexual offenses. Additionally, he was permanently prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or voluntary work involving children, reflecting the severity of the crime and the potential risk he poses to young, vulnerable individuals.

Judge Stephen Clarke, presiding over the case at Warrington Crown Court, expressed grave concern about the defendant’s potential to continue endangering young girls. He emphasized that Boulton had exploited the trust of a 14-year-old girl for his own sexual gratification. The judge highlighted the disturbing fact that several young girls had visited Boulton’s bungalow home, although only two of these girls had come forward with complaints about his conduct.

Throughout the trial, Boulton maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing. However, the jury found him guilty of raping the girl at his residence following a trial held at Mold Crown Court in July. He was acquitted of a separate charge alleging unlawful sexual activity with a second girl, indicating that the evidence was sufficient to convict him on one count but not the other.

Prosecutor Andrew Thomas presented forensic evidence to the jury, which contradicted Boulton’s claims of innocence. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Boulton had falsely claimed to be a multimillionaire and had even offered the girl a sum of £20,000 in exchange for sex, further illustrating his manipulative behavior and the predatory nature of his actions.