JAMES BRITTON: PENTECOSTAL MINISTER FROM BISHOP AUCKLAND AND LINCOLN DESTROYS YOUNG BOY'S LIFE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bishop Auckland and Lincoln, James Britton, a Pentecostal church minister, has been found guilty of heinous sexual offenses committed against a nine-year-old boy over three decades ago. The court proceedings revealed the extent of Britton's misconduct and the devastating impact it has had on his young victim.

Britton, who was serving as a youth worker at the Assemblies Of God Pentecostal Church in Lincoln during the time of the abuse, was in training to become a full-fledged minister when the crimes took place. The offences occurred between January 1975 and June 1976, a period during which Britton exploited the trust placed in him by the church and the community.

The court heard how the victim's life was profoundly affected by Britton's actions. The abuse was kept secret for many years, only coming to light when the now-older victim, in his 40s, disclosed the traumatic events during a counselling session. The revelation shed light on a dark chapter that had haunted him for decades.

Following his arrest at his home in County Durham, Britton, aged 72 and residing on Tunstall Grove in Bishop Auckland, confessed not only to abusing the boy but also admitted to a separate sex offence involving another young boy. The police investigation uncovered these disturbing details, leading to charges against him.

Britton faced a total of nine charges, including seven counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency involving the first boy, as well as an additional charge of indecency related to the second victim. The court was told that Britton's misconduct spanned over a year, during which he befriended the boy and his family under the guise of his church duties in Lincoln.

During the sentencing, Judge Sean Morris condemned Britton's actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victims. Britton was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. The judge stated, "While you were in that position of trust as a supposedly religious man, you performed sex acts on a child. You have wrecked a life. Your victim has struggled throughout his life because of your evil."

The judge further highlighted the long-term consequences faced by the victim, noting that he had experienced ongoing depression, difficulty forming relationships with men, and had been under psychological care. The court's condemnation underscored the gravity of Britton's betrayal and the profound harm caused by his actions, which have left scars that may never fully heal.