JEFFREY BURTON FROM FENHAM SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR GROOMING AND SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Fenham, Jeffrey Burton, aged 33, has been sentenced to a five-year prison term after being found guilty of serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The court heard that Burton, who resides on Tamworth Road in Fenham, engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming and abusing a 14-year-old girl over a period of several months.

According to court records, Burton was responsible for sending the girl more than 1,200 text messages within just three months. These messages formed the basis of his grooming behavior, which ultimately led to a sexual relationship. The girl, whose identity remains protected, began posting entries on Facebook that raised suspicions among her friends and family. It was through these online posts that her mother’s friend discovered the troubling details, prompting an investigation.

Prosecutors revealed that Burton had at least five sexual encounters with the girl after grooming her. The court was told that the girl had confided in her friends and family about her relationship with Burton, who had promised to leave his partner once she turned 18. The messages exchanged between them, which included 1,209 texts and ten phone calls between January and March 2011, were instrumental in establishing the case against him.

During the sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge John Milford emphasized the gravity of Burton’s actions. He stated, “You won her confidence and her affection and you seduced her. Understandably, this offence has had a considerable impact on the victim.” The court also heard that Burton had engaged in sexual activity with the girl on at least five occasions.

Sarah Mallett, the prosecutor, explained that the victim had been referred to a psychologist as a consequence of the trauma inflicted by Burton’s actions. The court noted that Burton’s criminal history included an earlier arrest related to sex attacks, which occurred months before magistrates controversially allowed him to attend a Newcastle United football match in 2011. This earlier arrest was for an assault, and magistrates had previously relaxed his curfew conditions, sparking public outrage and criticism from victims’ charities.

In mitigation, Burton’s legal representative expressed remorse, stating that Burton felt disgusted with himself and regretted the harm caused to his partner and his eight children. However, the court made it clear that Burton would be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and was prohibited from working with children.

Judge Milford concluded the sentencing by condemning Burton’s actions, underscoring the serious nature of grooming and sexual abuse of minors. Burton’s conviction and subsequent imprisonment serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people and the consequences faced by those who exploit their trust.