JOHN DUTTON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CHESTER AND KENT: ART DEALER SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST BOYS
| Red Rose Database
Kent Chester Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Chester and Kent, John Dutton, a well-known art dealer and former president of the Chester Chamber of Commerce and Trade, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences committed over a span of 16 years. The Warrington Crown Court heard that Dutton, aged 42 and residing at Selsdon Court in Handbridge, Chester, was responsible for multiple heinous acts involving boys and young men aged between 13 and 19.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Dutton had admitted to three counts of serious sexual assault and 41 counts of indecent assault, targeting a total of 27 teenagers. An additional six charges were left on file, indicating ongoing concerns about his conduct. The offences took place across various locations, including Dutton's residence in Kent and Chester, as well as in his vehicle, a van, hotels, and even a tent, illustrating the extensive and calculated nature of his abuse.
Judge David Hale, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in Dutton’s actions. He stated, “You are a man of ability, a hard worker and have given much to the community but you have abused your position. These were young men, many of whom came to you for work experience, and you exploited their trust when they were working for you. Some of these victims were the sons of friends, people who respected you, and they had no idea what their sons were being subjected to.”
Prosecutor Mr. Meirion Lewis-Jones detailed the locations where the offences occurred, including Dutton’s home in Kent and Chester, as well as in his car, a van, hotels, and a tent. The court also learned that Dutton had a prior conviction in Canada, where he was jailed for four months in 1992 after being found guilty of five charges of sexual assault. Following his release, he returned to the UK and settled in Chester, where he continued to carry out his disturbing pattern of abuse.
It was further revealed that Dutton’s criminal activities were intertwined with his involvement in his family’s century-old fine art business, A E Dutton & Son, based in Chester. He used his influence and connections within this business, as well as his work aboard a tall ship, to surround himself with boys and young men, whom he then exploited sexually. The court heard that Dutton also targeted boys who were children of friends in Kent, where he lived during the early 1980s, and in Chester.
Mr. Lewis-Jones highlighted the manipulative tactics employed by Dutton, noting, “One of the most troubling aspects is how he used his influence over the parents of these boys to gain their consent for trips abroad and other outings. He would take boys away from Chester to Sens, France, and other locations, where he then took advantage of their vulnerability, often when they felt unable to resist.”
Judge Hale concluded the sentencing by informing Dutton that upon his release, his name would be added to the sex offenders’ register, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Dutton had admitted to three counts of serious sexual assault and 41 counts of indecent assault, targeting a total of 27 teenagers. An additional six charges were left on file, indicating ongoing concerns about his conduct. The offences took place across various locations, including Dutton's residence in Kent and Chester, as well as in his vehicle, a van, hotels, and even a tent, illustrating the extensive and calculated nature of his abuse.
Judge David Hale, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in Dutton’s actions. He stated, “You are a man of ability, a hard worker and have given much to the community but you have abused your position. These were young men, many of whom came to you for work experience, and you exploited their trust when they were working for you. Some of these victims were the sons of friends, people who respected you, and they had no idea what their sons were being subjected to.”
Prosecutor Mr. Meirion Lewis-Jones detailed the locations where the offences occurred, including Dutton’s home in Kent and Chester, as well as in his car, a van, hotels, and a tent. The court also learned that Dutton had a prior conviction in Canada, where he was jailed for four months in 1992 after being found guilty of five charges of sexual assault. Following his release, he returned to the UK and settled in Chester, where he continued to carry out his disturbing pattern of abuse.
It was further revealed that Dutton’s criminal activities were intertwined with his involvement in his family’s century-old fine art business, A E Dutton & Son, based in Chester. He used his influence and connections within this business, as well as his work aboard a tall ship, to surround himself with boys and young men, whom he then exploited sexually. The court heard that Dutton also targeted boys who were children of friends in Kent, where he lived during the early 1980s, and in Chester.
Mr. Lewis-Jones highlighted the manipulative tactics employed by Dutton, noting, “One of the most troubling aspects is how he used his influence over the parents of these boys to gain their consent for trips abroad and other outings. He would take boys away from Chester to Sens, France, and other locations, where he then took advantage of their vulnerability, often when they felt unable to resist.”
Judge Hale concluded the sentencing by informing Dutton that upon his release, his name would be added to the sex offenders’ register, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.