ROBERT BROUGHTON FROM DERBY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PESTERING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In November 2011, a disturbing case involving Robert Broughton, a 24-year-old resident of Derby, unfolded in the Derby Crown Court, highlighting the serious nature of his criminal behavior. Broughton was accused of engaging in inappropriate and illegal activities targeting a young girl, which included online grooming and possession of explicit material involving minors and animals.

According to court reports, Broughton had established an online friendship with a 12-year-old girl via Facebook. During their interactions, he persistently sent her flirtatious messages, attempting to seduce her. When the girl disclosed her age, Broughton responded with chilling indifference, stating, “Age doesn’t bother me,” revealing his predatory intentions. The girl, understandably distressed, confided in her mother, who promptly contacted the police authorities to report the incident.

Following the complaint, law enforcement officers arrested Broughton at his residence on North Parade in Derby. A subsequent search of his computer revealed a disturbing collection of digital content, including 28 movies depicting child sexual abuse and bestiality. These findings underscored the severity of his offenses and his involvement in the distribution and possession of illegal material.

During the court proceedings, Broughton admitted to multiple charges, including inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, five counts of creating indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography. The prosecution, led by Sarah Allen, detailed the extent of his misconduct, including a phone conversation in which Broughton explicitly discussed his intentions towards the girl. The girl’s mother, who was present during the trial, provided a victim impact statement, describing the emotional scars inflicted by Broughton’s actions. She expressed that both she and her daughter had been left with lasting trauma, emphasizing the long and difficult road to recovery they faced.

In a revealing moment during the trial, the girl allowed her mother to listen to a phone call in which Broughton spoke openly about what he would like to do to her. The mother, alarmed by the conversation, had planned to confront Broughton at the location he had arranged to meet her daughter but was so disturbed by his words that she immediately contacted the police. The court also heard that Broughton had viewed a photograph of the girl, and when he was informed she was only 10 years old in the picture, he made sexually explicit comments, further demonstrating his predatory mindset.

Regarding the illegal content found on his computer, the court classified the movies into various categories based on their severity. One was classified as category one, nine as category two, 16 as category four, and two as the most severe, category five. These classifications highlighted the disturbing nature of the material Broughton possessed.

Defense lawyer James Horne expressed remorse on behalf of Broughton, stating that his client was “appalled and disgusted” by his own actions. Horne emphasized that Broughton was committed to taking steps to reduce the risk he posed to others. Instead of jail, the court decided to impose a community order, which included a three-year rehabilitation program, 150 hours of unpaid work, and mandatory registration as a sex offender for five years. Broughton was also prohibited from working with children, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety.

Despite a plea from the girl’s mother for a lengthy prison sentence, the judge, Andrew Hamilton, opted for a rehabilitative approach, believing that Broughton’s willingness to seek help could aid in his recovery. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but prioritized treatment over incarceration, citing a psychologist’s report that indicated Broughton’s openness about his urges and his desire for help. Broughton had also voluntarily moved out of his parents’ house to live alone, aiming to prevent any risk to his young sister. The judge emphasized Broughton’s assurances that he never wanted to repeat his actions, but the case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.