GRAHAM BUTTERWORTH COUNTESTHORPE TEACHER DIES IN LINCOLN PRISON AFTER SEX OFFENSES SCANDAL
| Red Rose Database
Countesthorpe Sexual Abuser
In January 2018, it was confirmed that Graham Butterworth, a 71-year-old former teacher from Countesthorpe, tragically passed away while incarcerated at HMP Lincoln. His death is currently under investigation, with officials considering the possibility that Legionnaires’ disease may have been a contributing factor.
Butterworth’s criminal history is marked by a serious and disturbing pattern of sexual offenses against young boys. In September 2016, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and sexual assault involving minors. The court proceedings revealed that Butterworth, residing on Lewis Way in Countesthorpe, was convicted of nine counts of indecently assaulting a boy aged between 12 and 15, as well as one count of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old. These offenses were committed during the 1980s, and the verdict was delivered following a trial held in July of that year.
Despite the conviction, Butterworth was acquitted of four additional charges of indecent assault against a pupil at Coleman Road Infant and Junior School in Leicester, where he previously worked as a teacher. The allegations against him involved inappropriate conduct during lessons, but these charges did not result in a conviction. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes for which he was found guilty, and authorities believe there may be other victims who have yet to come forward.
Investigative Support Officer Grace Clay, from the force’s child abuse investigation unit, emphasized the gravity of Butterworth’s actions. She stated, “Graham Butterworth has been convicted of a number of serious indecent assaults against two victims. He primarily targeted teenage boys, befriending them in the local community and then abusing them.”
Officer Clay further highlighted the lasting impact of Butterworth’s crimes, noting, “The effects of the abuse have been long lasting for the victims, with both experiencing difficulties throughout their adult lives due to the abuse Butterworth perpetrated on them.” She expressed hope that the victims, who have shown remarkable courage in coming forward, can now begin to heal, knowing that justice has been served.
She also issued a plea to potential additional victims, urging anyone who believes they may have been abused by Butterworth to contact Leicestershire Police. “Making that initial contact with the police can be daunting and it may be difficult for you to talk about it, especially if it happened some time ago, but I would like to reassure anyone who does contact us that their report will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and specialist officers will be on hand to support and assist you.”
It is important to note that Butterworth’s criminal record includes a prior conviction for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy in September 2011. The incident occurred in a changing cubicle at Canons Health Club on University Road, Leicester, which resulted in a two-year jail sentence after a jury found him guilty. His history of offending underscores the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing concern for potential additional victims.
Butterworth’s criminal history is marked by a serious and disturbing pattern of sexual offenses against young boys. In September 2016, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault and sexual assault involving minors. The court proceedings revealed that Butterworth, residing on Lewis Way in Countesthorpe, was convicted of nine counts of indecently assaulting a boy aged between 12 and 15, as well as one count of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old. These offenses were committed during the 1980s, and the verdict was delivered following a trial held in July of that year.
Despite the conviction, Butterworth was acquitted of four additional charges of indecent assault against a pupil at Coleman Road Infant and Junior School in Leicester, where he previously worked as a teacher. The allegations against him involved inappropriate conduct during lessons, but these charges did not result in a conviction. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes for which he was found guilty, and authorities believe there may be other victims who have yet to come forward.
Investigative Support Officer Grace Clay, from the force’s child abuse investigation unit, emphasized the gravity of Butterworth’s actions. She stated, “Graham Butterworth has been convicted of a number of serious indecent assaults against two victims. He primarily targeted teenage boys, befriending them in the local community and then abusing them.”
Officer Clay further highlighted the lasting impact of Butterworth’s crimes, noting, “The effects of the abuse have been long lasting for the victims, with both experiencing difficulties throughout their adult lives due to the abuse Butterworth perpetrated on them.” She expressed hope that the victims, who have shown remarkable courage in coming forward, can now begin to heal, knowing that justice has been served.
She also issued a plea to potential additional victims, urging anyone who believes they may have been abused by Butterworth to contact Leicestershire Police. “Making that initial contact with the police can be daunting and it may be difficult for you to talk about it, especially if it happened some time ago, but I would like to reassure anyone who does contact us that their report will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and specialist officers will be on hand to support and assist you.”
It is important to note that Butterworth’s criminal record includes a prior conviction for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy in September 2011. The incident occurred in a changing cubicle at Canons Health Club on University Road, Leicester, which resulted in a two-year jail sentence after a jury found him guilty. His history of offending underscores the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing concern for potential additional victims.