BENJAMIN MORETON SENTENCED IN LEICESTER FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AT LEICESTER FOREST EAST
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leicester, Benjamin James Moreton, aged 25, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a young boy.The incident came to light when the victim’s mother, who was unaware of the abuse at the time, caught Moreton in the act of indecent assault on her son.
The following day, the boy confided in his mother, revealing that Moreton had been abusing him since he was just eight years old.
This revelation prompted an investigation that uncovered a pattern of grooming and sexual misconduct by Moreton, who resided on Kings Walk in Leicester Forest East.
Moreton faced four counts of indecent assault on a child under 13.
During the sentencing hearing held at Leicester Crown Court, which was conducted via a live video link from the prison where he is currently detained, Judge Philip Head delivered a stern judgment.
The judge sentenced Moreton to nine years in prison, comprising a custodial term of five years and eight months, followed by an extended license period of three years and four months.
In his remarks, Judge Head acknowledged that Moreton had no prior criminal record, stating, “It’s right you’ve never been in trouble before.” He pointed out that the abuse began when Moreton was approximately 19 years old and involved grooming the young victim to gain his trust.
The judge described the behavior as an obsession, highlighting that an adult who was aware of the situation had ignored warnings and failed to intervene.
Judge Head detailed how Moreton had persistently contacted the boy through various means, including text messages, Facebook, and email, even after the victim’s mother intervened.
The court was told that Moreton was caught in the act by the mother, which ultimately led to his arrest.
The judge emphasized the lasting damage such abuse inflicts on victims, noting that the boy would carry the trauma for years to come and that the court recognized the profound impact of the crime.
Moreton had pleaded guilty on the day of his trial, sparing the boy from the ordeal of giving evidence in court.
However, the court acknowledged the emotional toll the process had taken on the victim, who had endured months of anxiety and fear about testifying.
Prosecutor Mary Prior recounted that Moreton had, on one occasion, given the boy a lift in his van and exposed himself.
She also detailed repeated sexual touches and an instance of performing a sexual act on the child.
Defense counsel Karly Mee highlighted that Moreton had been in custody awaiting sentencing for over seven months since his guilty plea.
She described him as deeply remorseful and immature for his age, emphasizing that there was no evidence he had targeted other children.
Mee also noted that Moreton understood the harm caused and was willing to participate in rehabilitation programs.
She mentioned that he is a father to a baby girl and a four-year-old boy, with his partner supporting him and planning to resume their relationship after his release.
As part of the court’s orders, Moreton was subjected to an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with the victim and prohibiting him from visiting the child’s school or home.
Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and will be required to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s commitment to public safety.
