CARLISLE MAN CHRISTOPHER CHARLTON SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF VULNERABLE SCHOOLGIRL
In March 2018, a middle-aged man from Carlisle, Christopher Paul Charlton, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for repeatedly raping a vulnerable schoolgirl.Charlton, 46 at the time, had denied five charges of rape and one charge of sexual activity with a child, but was convicted after a trial at Carlisle Crown Court.
The court heard evidence that Charlton had manipulated his young victim by giving her alcohol, making it easier to sexually exploit her.
It was also revealed that he engaged in sexual activity with her after she had passed out due to intoxication.
He further emotionally manipulated the girl by falsely claiming he was terminally ill with cancer to garner her sympathy and keep her from telling anyone.
Passing sentence, Recorder Julie Clemitson addressed Charlton, formerly of Jubilee Road, Currock, stating, "His abuse of the schoolgirl has impacted every aspect of her life, affecting her mental health, relationships, and social life." The court heard that Charlton threatened to harm or kill himself if he couldn't continue his abuse, which added to the victim's sense of entrapment.
"She was trapped by your despicable manipulation of her," said the judge.
"You perpetrated the most appalling deceit on her.
It’s clear your offending has had a detrimental effect on her mental health and social wellbeing, and you used alcohol as a tool in your offending behavior." Prosecutor Tim Evans also revealed that Charlton had committed another sexual assault against a different girl in September 2016.
Meanwhile, Charlton’s defense lawyer, Richard Bloomfield, mentioned that Charlton was regarded by prison authorities as an inmate deemed trustworthy, but emphasized that there was no mitigation to be made because Charlton continued to deny all wrongdoing.
The court ordered that Charlton will serve half of his 16-year sentence before being eligible for parole.
His name will be added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and he is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts him from having unsupervised contact with any child, and this order will remain in effect indefinitely.
As Charlton was taken away to begin his sentence, a relative of one of his victims shouted in celebration, "Yes!" In December 2017, Charlton had already admitted to nine counts of rape against a girl aged between 13 and 16, and one count of sexual activity with a child.
These offences, which took place between 2013 and 2016, were brought to light during proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, and Charlton was remanded into custody until sentencing.
Previously, in November 2016, Charlton, then 45, had been jailed for 16 months after admitting to sexually assaulting a teenager.
The court had heard that he assaulted the girl after giving her alcohol, and that she had been found distressed in the street.
Since the incident, she had suffered from anxiety, insomnia, and distress over her ordeal.
Judge Mr Justice Davis stated that he could not impose a suspended sentence and emphasized the seriousness of Charlton’s actions.
