PHILIP BUTTERWORTH OF CLIFTONVILLE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND IMAGE POSSESSION

In October 2012, a disturbing case emerged involving Philip Butterworth, a resident of Ethelbert Road in Cliftonville, who was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The court proceedings revealed that Butterworth, aged 59 at the time, was found guilty of four separate counts of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Additionally, he admitted to possessing eight images depicting child abuse, further compounding the severity of his offenses.

Butterworth's sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court, where the presiding judge, James O’Mahony, emphasized the gravity of the crimes committed. The judge described the acts as a serious breach of trust, highlighting the betrayal involved in abusing a vulnerable child. Judge O’Mahony condemned the offenses as involving “appalling sexual abuse,” underscoring the profound harm inflicted upon the victim.

During the sentencing, the judge pointed out that Butterworth had shown some remorse; however, he criticized the extent of this remorse as limited. The court noted that Butterworth had failed to fully acknowledge the seriousness of his actions and had not come to terms with the reality of his behavior. The jury's conviction on four counts was deemed unsurprising, given the defendant’s account of events, which the court described as “ridiculous.”

Defense attorney Pamela Brain argued that Butterworth was a man of previously good character who was suffering from various health issues, including anxiety, depression, and diabetes. She described him as “not of good health” and emphasized his age, referring to him as “a rather old 59.” Ms. Brain suggested that Butterworth had begun to realize that his conduct was inappropriate and expressed some hope for his rehabilitation. She also noted that he was struggling to adapt to prison life but was attempting to make the best of his circumstances.

As part of his punishment, Butterworth was sentenced to a decade in prison. Furthermore, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which aims to restrict his activities and protect the public from potential reoffending. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure that will have lasting implications for his life moving forward.