MICHAEL EATON, EAST HULL CHILD ABUSER, SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON
In July 2009, Michael Eaton, a 40-year-old babysitter from east Hull, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of abusing an eight-year-old girl.The incident occurred on August 16, 2008, while Eaton was babysitting the girl.
The court heard that Eaton, who was a delivery driver, had been drinking during his time caring for the child and watched a DVD in her bedroom before abusing her.
A jury at Hull Crown Court found Eaton guilty of multiple serious offenses, including two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under 13, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.
Following his conviction, Eaton showed no remorse, laughing and joking as he was taken to prison.
The Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, Judge Michael Mettyear, commented on Eaton's conduct, stating, “You have been convicted of serious offences against a young girl who was eight at the time, who you had temporary care of while babysitting.
You are 40 and have no prior serious trouble.
Your previous good character suggests you are not a predatory pedophile, but on this particular evening, under the influence of alcohol, you felt tempted and acted in a terrible way.
It appears that deep down you have sexual desires for young girls, which you have generally kept under control throughout your life.
Only custody can be justified for conduct such as this.
It was serious misconduct by you.” PC Ashley Lodge described the crime as 'heinous,' stating, “It was a heinous crime on an innocent child by someone in a position of trust.
He has shown no emotion throughout the case.
During his trial, his face didn’t change.” Eaton had babysat multiple children but committed abuse only in this case.
As part of his punishment, Eaton was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for eight years, preventing him from having any unsupervised contact with children under 16, and restricting his involvement in paid or voluntary work with minors.
Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
