ROBERT MORTON FROM CHIRNSIDE AND SKELMERSDALE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE ON YOUNG GIRLS

In a landmark case that has spanned over three decades, Robert Morton, a man originally from Skelmersdale and later residing in Chirnside, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of severe sexual offenses committed against three young girls more than 30 years ago. The case, which only came to light recently, has shocked the local communities and brought to justice a man who had previously maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

Morton, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, faced a jury that found him guilty of 17 separate charges. These included multiple counts of rape, with one girl being repeatedly assaulted starting from the age of just four. The court heard that the offenses spanned several years, with the youngest victim enduring abuse from the age of four until she was 12. Additionally, Morton was convicted of eight counts of indecent assault and gross indecency on another girl, aged between 11 and 13, as well as two specific charges of indecent assault on a third girl, aged between nine and 12.

Despite his denials, the court was presented with compelling evidence of his guilt. A judge described the nature of the crimes as “a picture of quite exceptional depravity,” emphasizing the severity and the disturbing nature of the offenses. Judge Brian Lewis, presiding over the case, addressed Morton directly, noting that his refusal to admit guilt had forced his victims to relive their trauma in a courtroom filled with strangers, only to be accused of lying. The judge remarked, “The blight you imposed on their childhood was still plain to see as they gave their evidence decades later.”

Morton’s crimes, which took place in Skelmersdale, only came to light in April of this year. The revelation was sparked when one of his victims disclosed some details during a counseling session. This disclosure prompted police investigations, which subsequently led to the identification and tracing of the other victims. The case uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse that had remained hidden for many years.

During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Morton had maintained an unblemished professional career over the years. He served as an electrical engineer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later worked with BAE Systems in Lancashire, seemingly unaffected by the allegations until the recent discovery of his past.

Gerald Jones, representing Morton, argued that some of the offenses could be characterized as Morton’s “teenage sexual experimentation,” and emphasized that the victims had not been threatened or coerced. Despite this, the court found the evidence sufficient to convict him of the serious charges. Morton, who is a father of two sons, has no previous criminal record.

As part of his sentence, Morton was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, a measure that underscores the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of vigilance in uncovering hidden histories of trauma.