WORTHING PAEDOPHILE CHRISTOPHER BURTON JAILED FOR 12 YEARS AFTER RAPE OF BOY UNDER 13 IN STAFFORDSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Christopher Burton, a resident of Worthing, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young boy under the age of 13. The offences took place while Burton was living in Staffordshire, where he committed multiple acts of sexual assault and attempted rape against the vulnerable child.

Burton, aged 25 at the time, faced four charges of raping a child under 13, along with four additional counts of attempted rape. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Burton chose not to attend his trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. His absence did not prevent the court from proceeding; the jury found him guilty of all charges in his absence, highlighting the gravity of his actions and the strength of the evidence presented against him.

Furthermore, Burton also failed to appear at his sentencing hearing, which led to the court imposing a 12-year prison sentence. In addition to his incarceration, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, and Burton, who resides at Warwick Gardens in Worthing, now faces potential charges related to bail violations when apprehended.

Prosecutor Peter McCartney detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, revealing that Burton had threatened the young victim with violence should he disclose the assaults. McCartney emphasized that the abuse was not a one-time event but occurred over an extended period, during which the child was particularly vulnerable and unable to defend himself. The prosecutor described the child's fear and the coercive tactics Burton employed to silence him.

During the trial, Burton’s defense attorney, Pieter Briegel, argued that his client had no prior convictions related to sexual offenses. Briegel pointed out that Burton’s actions appeared unplanned and isolated, with no evidence of drug or alcohol use to facilitate the crimes. He also noted that Burton did not act in concert with others, suggesting a lack of premeditation.

Judge Paul Glenn, presiding over the case, sentenced Burton in his absence, condemning his deliberate decision to skip court proceedings. The judge described Burton’s actions as premeditated, noting that he forcibly held the child by the arms, rendering him unable to resist. Burton had threatened the child with violence if he revealed the abuse, instilling fear that prevented the victim from speaking out until he moved away from the area and discovered Burton was no longer nearby.

While the child did not sustain physical injuries, the psychological trauma inflicted remains difficult to quantify. Judge Glenn underscored the severity of raping a child under 13, labeling it a grave offense. Burton was also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts him from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults, reflecting the ongoing concern for public safety and the protection of at-risk individuals.