GEORGE NORTON KILLS WIFE IN PREESALL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATION
| Red Rose Database
Preesall Child Sexual Abuser
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Preesall, Lancashire, Geoffrey Norton, a 67-year-old man, has admitted to the murder of his wife, Janet Norton, following allegations of his sexual misconduct. The incident unfolded at their log cabin-style residence located within a caravan park in Preesall, where Norton carried out a brutal attack with a hammer, resulting in her death.
According to sources close to the investigation, Norton was arrested in December of the previous year after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted a young girl. The details of the case revealed that Norton could not face the possibility of his wife discovering his secret, which involved serious accusations of paedophilia. It is believed that this fear drove him to commit the violent act while Janet was asleep, in an attempt to prevent her from learning the truth about his past.
At the time of his arrest, Norton was released on bail, pending further inquiries. However, it is understood that he committed the murder shortly before police planned to re-arrest him. The tragic event occurred early in the morning on January 22, when police responded to a distress call from their residence at Willow Grove Caravan Park on Sandy Lane. Emergency services arrived at the scene around 9 a.m., and Mrs. Norton was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She was later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital, where she succumbed to the severe head injuries inflicted during the attack.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed that Mrs. Norton suffered significant trauma to her head, consistent with the blunt force of a hammer. The investigation revealed that Norton, who was formerly residing in Delph, Oldham, faced multiple charges, including her murder, a child sex offence, and a series of other sexual assaults against a different child victim dating back to the 1970s. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of a man with a long history of sexual misconduct.
During his court appearance at Preston Crown Court, Norton, dressed in a grey suit and turquoise tie, chose to speak only to enter guilty pleas to the charges against him. The trial, which was scheduled to commence that day and was expected to last a week, was postponed as his legal representative, David Fish QC, requested additional time to prepare mitigation. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Macduff, agreed to adjourn the sentencing hearing until the following Wednesday.
Outside the court, Mrs. Norton’s daughter, Pamela Vilorio Mieses, expressed her grief and admiration for her mother. She described Janet as a remarkable person—honest, sincere, and devoid of vanity. Pamela shared her heartbreak, stating, “I have lost my mum, I feel like I have been blindfolded and can’t take it off. I can’t believe what happened to her. Her pure generosity and loving nature I’ll miss the most and truly believe the lives of my family and her friends will never be the same.” She concluded by emphasizing the deep bond she shared with her mother, grandmother, and best friend.
Detective Sergeant Andy Lawless from Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team commented on the case, saying, “I am pleased with today’s result and hope it provides some solace to Janet’s family and friends who remain devastated by their loss. Thankfully, the family no longer have to face the prospect of sitting through a trial.” The community of Preesall continues to mourn the loss of Janet Norton, and authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served in this tragic case.
According to sources close to the investigation, Norton was arrested in December of the previous year after allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted a young girl. The details of the case revealed that Norton could not face the possibility of his wife discovering his secret, which involved serious accusations of paedophilia. It is believed that this fear drove him to commit the violent act while Janet was asleep, in an attempt to prevent her from learning the truth about his past.
At the time of his arrest, Norton was released on bail, pending further inquiries. However, it is understood that he committed the murder shortly before police planned to re-arrest him. The tragic event occurred early in the morning on January 22, when police responded to a distress call from their residence at Willow Grove Caravan Park on Sandy Lane. Emergency services arrived at the scene around 9 a.m., and Mrs. Norton was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She was later transferred to Royal Preston Hospital, where she succumbed to the severe head injuries inflicted during the attack.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed that Mrs. Norton suffered significant trauma to her head, consistent with the blunt force of a hammer. The investigation revealed that Norton, who was formerly residing in Delph, Oldham, faced multiple charges, including her murder, a child sex offence, and a series of other sexual assaults against a different child victim dating back to the 1970s. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of a man with a long history of sexual misconduct.
During his court appearance at Preston Crown Court, Norton, dressed in a grey suit and turquoise tie, chose to speak only to enter guilty pleas to the charges against him. The trial, which was scheduled to commence that day and was expected to last a week, was postponed as his legal representative, David Fish QC, requested additional time to prepare mitigation. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Macduff, agreed to adjourn the sentencing hearing until the following Wednesday.
Outside the court, Mrs. Norton’s daughter, Pamela Vilorio Mieses, expressed her grief and admiration for her mother. She described Janet as a remarkable person—honest, sincere, and devoid of vanity. Pamela shared her heartbreak, stating, “I have lost my mum, I feel like I have been blindfolded and can’t take it off. I can’t believe what happened to her. Her pure generosity and loving nature I’ll miss the most and truly believe the lives of my family and her friends will never be the same.” She concluded by emphasizing the deep bond she shared with her mother, grandmother, and best friend.
Detective Sergeant Andy Lawless from Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team commented on the case, saying, “I am pleased with today’s result and hope it provides some solace to Janet’s family and friends who remain devastated by their loss. Thankfully, the family no longer have to face the prospect of sitting through a trial.” The community of Preesall continues to mourn the loss of Janet Norton, and authorities remain committed to ensuring justice is served in this tragic case.