MICHAEL MORETON, MOTORCYCLE RACER, JAILED IN WORCESTER FOR SEX OFFENCES

In December 2010, Michael Moreton, a well-known motorcycle racer who once competed in the Isle of Man TT, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sex offences committed over 30 years earlier.

Moreton, 58, of Windermere Way, Burlish Park, Stourport, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of indecent assault and one charge of indecency with a child. The offences reportedly took place over a seven-year period during which he abused a young girl, who eventually ran away at age 16 and lived in a tent beside the Stourport riverside, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicolas Cartwright explained that Moreton's abusive behaviour began when his wife was hospitalized in 1976 to have a baby. The victim, now 44, did not come forward with her allegations until last year, mistakenly believing that others were also making accusations.

During her impact statement read aloud in court, she described how her ordeal had profoundly affected her life. She stated, "I was never allowed to be a child. At one point, I felt rejected by my mother, who is now deceased. My experiences have made me feel like a completely different person and have had a worse impact on my life."

Moreton, who had no prior convictions, initially confessed to the offences early in the investigation to prevent the victim from having to testify, according to his defense lawyer, Miss Abigail Nixon. He was a member of a motorcycle racing organization, and references from colleagues in the racing community and his workplace were submitted to the court.

The defendant showed remorse and had disclosed what happened to his second wife of 20 years, who continues to support him. However, Judge Amjad Nawaz emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, "Persistent offences were committed against a child, and these exceed the threshold for custody."

The judge ordered Moreton to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence. In addition, he imposed a sexual offences prevention order, mandated that Moreton complete a sex offenders' treatment program while in custody, and required him to register as a sex offender for life.