SHOCKING CRIME IN BUCKLEY AND WREXHAM: MICHAEL RATHBONE AND SCOTT BUXTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Buckley and Wrexham, two men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in sexual activities with underage girls. The case, which was heard at Mold Crown Court, revealed the disturbing details of their misconduct and the measures taken to protect the victims and prevent future offenses.

Michael Rathbone, aged 24 and residing on Mayfield Drive in Buckley, Flintshire, was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with a girl who was only 14 years old. The court heard that Rathbone had been frequenting the area around the school gate, where the girl was often present. Despite being warned by police not to meet or contact her, Rathbone continued to pursue her, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the warnings and the law.

Following his conviction on two counts of sexual activity with a child, Rathbone was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. The court emphasized the seriousness of his actions, which included grooming the young girl, giving her gifts, and treating her as if she were a princess. The judge noted that Rathbone's behavior was manipulative and predatory, with evidence suggesting that he had been grooming her over a period of time. He was also accused of instructing her to lie about her age to others and of threatening to harm himself if she attempted to end their relationship.

On the other hand, Scott Buxton, also aged 24 and residing on Wynnstay Road in Wrexham, received a sentence of two and a half years. His offenses involved another 14-year-old girl, who was a friend of the first victim. Buxton's actions mirrored those of Rathbone, involving similar grooming and sexual misconduct. Both men were ordered to register as sex offenders for life, a measure aimed at monitoring their activities and preventing further offenses.

In addition to their prison sentences, both Rathbone and Buxton were subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. This legal restriction prohibits them from having any unsupervised contact with children, further safeguarding potential victims and reinforcing the court's commitment to protecting minors from predatory behavior.

Both men had initially denied the charges, but the court found sufficient evidence to convict them during an earlier trial. Judge Rowlands highlighted the grooming aspect of Rathbone’s case, describing how he had manipulated the young girl by showering her with gifts and affection, and how he had exploited her trust for his own gratification. The judge’s remarks underscored the gravity of the offenses and the importance of the legal measures taken to ensure community safety.