PAEDOPHILE PAUL HATTON FROM GLASTONBURY CAUGHT TRYING TO ABUSE 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWINDON

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predation, Paul Hatton, a man from Glastonbury, was arrested after traveling to Swindon with the intent to sexually abuse and assault a nine-year-old girl. The incident unfolded in March 2022, when Hatton, aged 55, made a journey from his home on Benedict Street in Glastonbury to the town of Swindon, armed with malicious intentions.

Hatton had been communicating online with what he believed was a 41-year-old woman. In reality, he was speaking to an undercover police officer. Their conversations were deeply disturbing, involving discussions about performing sexual acts on the girl and encouraging her to participate in sexual activities. The exchanges were described as having a “very sexual flavour,” with the suspect expressing enthusiasm about what the girl might be involved in.

During their online chats, Hatton and the undercover officer discussed how the girl could be introduced to sexual acts, with plans that were to develop “in a fairly organic way,” according to prosecutors. Hatton also sent explicit images of himself in a state of arousal and videos of himself pleasuring himself, which he intended to show to the girl. These actions underscored the severity of his intentions and the premeditated nature of his plans.

When Hatton arrived at the West Swindon Asda supermarket on March 4, he was promptly arrested by police officers. Authorities found him in possession of Viagra and food items, which he had discussed using in sexual acts, further confirming his intent to commit abuse. The police investigation revealed that he had been in regular contact with the girl’s mother earlier in the year, engaging in conversations that took on a highly sexual tone. Between February and March, they communicated daily or every few days, with the discussions revolving around the exploitation of the young girl.

Hatton pleaded guilty to charges of facilitating a child sex offence and causing a child to view images of sexual activity. His actions and the evidence presented led to a serious judicial response. Judge Jason Taylor QC, presiding over the case at Bristol Crown Court, stated that he had “no doubt that had this child been real you would have proceeded to commit the acts you had expressed a desire to complete.”

In sentencing, Hatton was sentenced to three years in prison. Additionally, he will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the potential risk he poses to the community. The court also noted that a probation report classified him as a high risk of causing serious harm to children and that he was deemed unable to be managed safely within the community. While the report acknowledged that Hatton showed some limited insight into his actions, the judge emphasized that this was not unusual at this stage of the process, underscoring the ongoing concern for public safety.