LEE HILTON FROM BREIGHTMET SENTENCED FOR PREGNANT SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUNG GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Breightmet, Lee Hilton, aged 44, has been sentenced to a total of four years and eight months in prison after admitting to engaging in a prolonged sexual relationship with a young girl, which ultimately resulted in her becoming pregnant.

Hilton, of Stanworth Avenue in Breightmet, appeared before Bolton Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16. The court was informed that Hilton’s inappropriate relationship with the girl spanned over a two-year period, during which he repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with her. This illicit relationship culminated in the girl becoming pregnant with Hilton’s child, a son.

The court heard that the girl’s relationship with her mother became increasingly strained as she confided in her about the pregnancy. She initially told her mother that the baby was the result of a one-night stand, which led her mother to question her morality and conduct. It was revealed that at the time, the girl was not sexually active with anyone else, and Hilton had taken her virginity, making it clear that he was the father of her child.

Hilton exerted pressure on the girl to keep the identity of the father a secret, instilling fear that both of them could face imprisonment if their relationship was exposed. The investigation into Hilton’s actions only gained momentum when the girl, feeling more confident, disclosed the identity of her son’s father to her current partner. This revelation prompted authorities to launch a formal police inquiry.

The court was also told that Hilton expressed remorse for his actions, describing himself as “ashamed” of what he had done. Despite his regret, he conveyed only “best wishes” for the girl and her family, indicating a lack of genuine remorse.

Judge Timothy Stead addressed Hilton directly, stating, “You began a sexual relationship with this girl. You never used a condom and applied pressure to a child to keep the matter secret. She concealed the truth to protect you, and it has been very difficult for her to come to terms with what has happened to her. Her feelings are very strong and negative as one might expect.”

While acknowledging Hilton’s early plea of guilt, the judge emphasized that a significant custodial sentence was necessary. Hilton was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment for six of the counts, with an additional two-year sentence for the seventh count. All sentences are to run concurrently, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the young victim.