MAURICE BURTON'S CRIME SHOCKS DARLINGTON: VICTIM DESCRIBES DEVASTATION

In November 2011, a harrowing story emerged from Darlington, where a young girl’s life was forever altered by the actions of Maurice Burton. The victim, who has chosen to speak out after years of suffering in silence, described her attacker as more than just a paedophile—she called him a predator, emphasizing the danger he posed to everyone around him.

Burton, a 49-year-old motor mechanic from Darlington, was convicted at Teesside Crown Court of two counts of indecent assault that took place during the 1990s. The court heard how his actions had inflicted profound psychological damage on his young victim, leading to a three-year prison sentence. The woman, now an adult, recounted how the assault had shattered her life, leaving her unable to trust others, work normally, or move past the mental scars that continue to haunt her.

In an emotional interview with The Northern Echo, she described herself as “damaged,” a word she said she couldn’t shake from her mind. She explained that her prospects in life are bleak, her trust in people is eroded, and her sense of self-worth is virtually nonexistent. “He has wrecked my life forever,” she stated, her voice trembling with the weight of her experience.

She revealed that during her teenage years, overwhelmed by the trauma, she had even attempted to take her own life. Despite seeking help through counseling since her school days, she admitted that it had not been effective. “I don’t go anymore because while I’m in the room, I feel amazing and it helps me, but as soon as I walk out the door, I am back in the real world. I am just devastated,” she explained.

Her frustration extends to the justice system, which she feels has failed her. “Drug dealers get more than three years,” she lamented. “I don’t think the justice system does anyone any good. He will probably only serve a year-and-a-half, yet he has given me a life sentence.”

Her story underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and raises questions about the adequacy of sentencing and support for victims. The case of Maurice Burton from Darlington serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences such predators can have on their victims’ lives, and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing.