MARK BUTTERWORTH FROM BARNSLEY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Barnsley, Mark Butterworth, aged 28 and formerly residing on Lilac Crescent in Hoyland, has been convicted of a series of heinous child sexual offences. The conviction follows a detailed trial at Sheffield Crown Court, where Butterworth was found guilty of multiple charges related to the abuse of two young victims, who were between the ages of 9 and 12 at the time of the offences.

According to court proceedings, the abuse spanned over an eight-year period, from 2007 to 2015. During this time, Butterworth engaged in repeated acts of sexual misconduct against the victims, employing a disturbing tactic of bribery. He would entice the children to perform sexual acts on him by offering them privileges such as additional time to play on his PlayStation console, a method that underscores the manipulative and predatory nature of his crimes.

The court heard detailed accounts of the offences, which included a total of 19 charges. These ranged from causing a child to watch a sexual act, to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and inciting children to participate in sexual acts. Butterworth was also convicted of more severe crimes, including sexual assault of a child under 13, multiple counts of rape of a child under 13, and causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, he was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and making an indecent image himself.

Following a seven-day trial, the jury at Sheffield Crown Court delivered a guilty verdict on all counts. The judge subsequently sentenced Butterworth to a total of 12 years and 6 months in prison. However, he will be required to serve a minimum of nine years before being eligible for parole or release. The court also imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact to prevent further harm.

Furthermore, Butterworth has been mandated to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and manage his conduct post-release. The case has sent a clear message about the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes of this nature, especially those involving vulnerable children in the Barnsley area.