JAMIE GORTON OF BLACKPOOL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER IN BLACKPOOL
A man identified as Jamie Gorton has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Blackpool.The incident, which took place in February, involved Gorton assaulting the young victim on two separate occasions within the same day.
The court proceedings revealed that Gorton, who was formerly residing in Burnley but now living on Osborne Road in Blackpool, appeared via video link at Burnley Crown Court on Thursday, December 12.
Throughout the hearing, Gorton displayed signs of distress and discomfort, keeping his head bowed and covering his face with his sweatshirt.
When Judge Sara Dodd returned from a brief recess to deliver her sentencing remarks, she noticed Gorton’s apparent unease and asked if he preferred to keep his face covered for his comfort.
Gorton responded affirmatively.
Despite the judge’s final remarks and the pronouncement of his sentence, Gorton abruptly stood up and exited the courtroom at the prison, leaving the judge to conclude her sentencing without his presence.
Earlier this year, Lancashire Police issued an appeal to locate Gorton, describing him as speaking with a Burnley accent and noting his connections to Darwen, Blackpool, and Fleetwood.
The offences for which he was convicted occurred specifically in Blackpool.
During the court hearing, a victim impact statement was read aloud by prosecuting barrister Aubrey Samson.
The statement detailed the profound emotional and psychological toll the assault has taken on the young girl.
The victim has since engaged in self-harm and continues to suffer from anxiety and flashbacks.
She expressed her distress, stating, “I can’t believe this has happened to me.” Gorton’s defense lawyer, John Woodward, provided a different perspective, indicating that his client is currently receiving appropriate medication for mental health issues.
Woodward expressed optimism about Gorton’s recovery, asserting that with time, he might better understand his difficulties and learn to manage his behavior more appropriately in the future.
Gorton, who has a lengthy criminal history with 21 previous convictions covering 33 offences—including charges related to engaging in sexual activity with a child, failing to comply with notification requirements, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order—was found guilty after a trial of assault by penetration and sexual activity with a child.
Judge Sara Dodd emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, highlighting the significant psychological harm inflicted.
While she noted that the harm caused was not the most severe she has seen, she underscored that the damage was nonetheless serious.
The judge expressed concern over Gorton’s apparent inability to adhere to court orders and her lack of confidence that he would comply with license conditions if released.
Considering Gorton’s history and the nature of the offences, Judge Dodd classified him as a dangerous offender.
She sentenced him to a term of eight years in prison, with an additional five years on extended licence, resulting in a total sentence of 13 years.
