SAMUEL BURTON FROM ABINGDON SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN OXFORDSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Abingdon and the wider Oxfordshire area, Samuel Burton, a 23-year-old man, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offences involving children. The court proceedings, held at Oxford Crown Court, revealed the extent of Burton’s depravity and the disturbing nature of his crimes.

According to the court, Burton was responsible for a series of appalling acts, including the filming of a sexual assault on a baby. The victim’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, expressed her outrage and heartbreak during the hearing. She addressed Burton directly, stating, “I hope you suffer for what you have done,” underscoring the profound impact of his actions on the victims and their families.

During the trial, prosecutors detailed how Burton’s criminal activities came to light. The investigation was triggered when authorities discovered a video on Burton’s iPad depicting him performing a sexual act in front of a sleeping child. Further examination of the device uncovered a vast collection of child sexual abuse images and videos, including some of the most disturbing content imaginable. Police found evidence of Burton raping a baby, as well as explicit videos involving a teenage girl with whom he had previously been in a relationship. Additionally, doctored photographs were recovered, showing the heads of children and an adult known to Burton pasted onto images of child sex abuse victims.

The evidence indicated that Burton had systematically searched the internet for indecent material, downloading a significant number of illegal images and videos. Specifically, authorities identified 299 Category A images and videos, 211 in Category B, and 471 in Category C, illustrating the scale of his online activity.

Burton’s actions were described as so depraved that Judge Nigel Daly remarked they “defy belief.” The judge emphasized that Burton not only committed these acts but also took the step of recording them, which ultimately led to his arrest and conviction. Burton’s plea of guilty to charges including the rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and making indecent images was entered at the earliest opportunity.

As part of his sentence, Burton was handed a 14-year prison term, with an extended four-year period on licence. He is required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before being eligible for release. Furthermore, the court imposed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and restraining order, and Burton will be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. He resides on Sellwood Road in Abingdon, and his case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous crimes.