MICHAEL STANTON FROM IBSTOCK AND TELFORD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Ibstock and Telford, Michael Stanton, aged 69, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young children. The crimes span several years, with Stanton abusing a young girl and a boy during the late 1970s and early 1980s, leaving lasting scars on his victims.

Stanton’s criminal actions included a series of sexual assaults on a girl aged between six and eight years old, as well as on a boy aged nine to eleven. The abuse of the girl took place while Stanton was residing in Ibstock, Leicestershire, where the initial offenses occurred. He was convicted on two counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault related to her. The assaults on the boy, who was abused in a different part of the country, resulted in Stanton being found guilty of one count of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.

The offenses against both children occurred over a span of several years, specifically between 1977 and 1984. Stanton, who previously worked in medical equipment sales and resided at Sunbury Drive, Trench, Telford, Shropshire, faced a series of charges that painted a disturbing picture of his predatory behavior. During the trial, he was acquitted of two charges of raping the girl and two charges of attempting to rape her, following the judge’s direction. Additionally, the jury found him not guilty of three other allegations of indecency involving the girl.

Judge Philip Head, presiding over the case at Leicester Crown Court, delivered a stern and somber judgment. He emphasized the profound impact Stanton’s actions had on his victims, stating, “Both your victims have made statements which are in so many ways heart-rending, describing what you did as absolutely blighting their lives. I’m sure that equates to severe psychological harm.”

Addressing the female victim specifically, the judge explained, “You accosted her in the street where she was playing with other children and lured her to your house. You were grooming her.” He further detailed that after Stanton moved to a village outside of Leicestershire, he sexually assaulted the young boy on four separate occasions, describing these acts as “gross abuse.”

Judge Head acknowledged the bravery of the female victim, noting that she had gained the confidence and courage to speak out as an adult. The male victim also came forward with his complaint, contributing to Stanton’s conviction.

While sentencing, Judge Head recognized Stanton’s long-standing work ethic and current health issues, stating, “I accept you’ve been hard working throughout your life and your health is not good now.” He also noted that there was no evidence of further offending since these crimes, which occurred over three decades ago.

Matthew Lowe, representing Stanton, provided mitigating circumstances, highlighting that Stanton has no previous convictions or cautions. Lowe pointed out that Stanton has been a consistent worker throughout his adult life and suffers from health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a bad back, which he said would make prison life more challenging for him. Despite these factors, the court’s decision reflects the severity of Stanton’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.