GRANTHAM MAN ROGER LAUGHTON SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL
| Red Rose Database
Grantham Sexual Abuser
In July 2018, a disturbing case unfolded in Lincolnshire involving a man from Grantham who was convicted of a heinous sexual assault against a young girl. The incident, which took place in January 2017, left the five-year-old victim traumatized, suffering from nightmares and emotional distress that would have lasting effects.
Roger Laughton, aged 33 and residing on Chestnut Grove in Grantham, was accused of sexually abusing the young girl. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Laughton initially denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault, asserting that he was not responsible for the events in question.
However, the court heard compelling evidence during the trial, including testimony from the young girl herself. Her account, supported by other evidence, led the jury to find Laughton guilty of the charges. The verdict was delivered after a thorough trial process, during which the girl bravely gave evidence against him, highlighting the severity of the offense.
Following the conviction, Judge Andrew Easteal sentenced Laughton to a term of two years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his activities and interactions, aiming to protect the community from further harm. Laughton was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
During the sentencing, Judge Easteal emphasized the profound impact of Laughton’s actions on the young girl. He stated, “It is plain she was shocked, confused and distressed at what you were doing to her. It is quite clear that this has had an enormous effect on her. There is no knowing how long and how deeply it will affect her but it was an awful thing that you did to her. It was deplorable.”
The judge also criticized Laughton for his continued denial of guilt despite the overwhelming evidence presented. “You continue to dispute the verdict in the face of overwhelming evidence. You have not expressed any remorse towards her,” he added.
Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard highlighted the devastating impact on the victim’s family, noting a statement from the girl’s mother. She explained that before the incident, her daughter was a happy, confident child who spoke freely with others. However, after the assault, her demeanor changed dramatically. The girl became withdrawn, stopped talking to people, and began experiencing nightmares. Her academic performance also suffered as she struggled to keep up with her schoolwork, illustrating the deep emotional scars left by the attack.
Roger Laughton, aged 33 and residing on Chestnut Grove in Grantham, was accused of sexually abusing the young girl. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Laughton initially denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault, asserting that he was not responsible for the events in question.
However, the court heard compelling evidence during the trial, including testimony from the young girl herself. Her account, supported by other evidence, led the jury to find Laughton guilty of the charges. The verdict was delivered after a thorough trial process, during which the girl bravely gave evidence against him, highlighting the severity of the offense.
Following the conviction, Judge Andrew Easteal sentenced Laughton to a term of two years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to restrict his activities and interactions, aiming to protect the community from further harm. Laughton was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
During the sentencing, Judge Easteal emphasized the profound impact of Laughton’s actions on the young girl. He stated, “It is plain she was shocked, confused and distressed at what you were doing to her. It is quite clear that this has had an enormous effect on her. There is no knowing how long and how deeply it will affect her but it was an awful thing that you did to her. It was deplorable.”
The judge also criticized Laughton for his continued denial of guilt despite the overwhelming evidence presented. “You continue to dispute the verdict in the face of overwhelming evidence. You have not expressed any remorse towards her,” he added.
Prosecutor Dawn Pritchard highlighted the devastating impact on the victim’s family, noting a statement from the girl’s mother. She explained that before the incident, her daughter was a happy, confident child who spoke freely with others. However, after the assault, her demeanor changed dramatically. The girl became withdrawn, stopped talking to people, and began experiencing nightmares. Her academic performance also suffered as she struggled to keep up with her schoolwork, illustrating the deep emotional scars left by the attack.