SHAUN BURTON'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN PLYMOUTH: TWO DECADES OF PAIN REVEALED
In a case that has spanned over twenty years, Shaun Burton, aged 40, was finally brought to justice in Plymouth for the heinous sexual abuse of a brother and sister during the late 1980s and early 1990s.The disturbing details emerged during a court hearing at Plymouth Crown Court, where Burton was convicted of multiple counts of indecency with a child, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that left lasting scars on his victims.
According to court records, Burton, who had no fixed address at the time of sentencing, had groomed the young girl, who was passionate about horses, by encouraging her to ride on his back.
This seemingly innocent activity was used as a means to manipulate her into engaging in sexual acts, with Burton exploiting her trust and innocence for his own gratification.
The brother, now in his 30s, bravely confronted his abuser in court, expressing his feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration over the long delay in bringing Burton to justice.
His emotional testimony highlighted the deep psychological wounds inflicted by Burton’s actions, which had persisted for years.
It was revealed that the siblings had initially reported their abuse to police in 2008.
However, law enforcement did not pursue the case at that time, citing insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.
This decision was made despite the siblings’ courage in coming forward, and it was only after Burton’s subsequent conviction in Cornwall in 2013 for similar offenses that authorities revisited their investigation.
Burton was released from custody in October of the previous year, allowing him to remain at large until his recent conviction.
Prosecutor Joss Ticehurst detailed the extent of Burton’s abuse, stating that he had cared for the siblings multiple times a week when they were aged five and seven.
Over a period of five years, Burton engaged in a series of abusive acts, persuading the children to touch him indecently and encouraging them to perform acts upon him.
Some of these acts, the court heard, would now be classified as rape.
The young girl, who was enamored with horses, was manipulated into touching Burton sexually when she was too young to comprehend the gravity of her actions, in exchange for “horse rides” on his back.
Neither child confided in anyone at the time, but they eventually disclosed the abuse to their mother in 2008, prompting police involvement.
Despite the allegations, Burton was not prosecuted initially due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
It was only after his 2013 conviction in Cornwall for similar offenses that the case was revisited.
Burton pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecency with a child, with the court hearing that some of the contact could now be classified as rape.
His legal representative, Michael Green, acknowledged that Burton’s early guilty pleas were a mitigating factor in his sentencing.
During the sentencing hearing, the brother delivered a powerful statement from the witness stand, describing how he continues to suffer from flashbacks and has struggled with substance abuse as a result of the trauma.
He expressed his determination to stay sober and his hope for a better future, despite the years of pain inflicted by Burton.
His words reflected the profound impact of the abuse and the importance of justice.
The sister, in a brief statement read by the prosecution, addressed Burton directly, saying, “You robbed me of my innocence.
I will not let you damage the rest of my life.” Her words underscored the lasting damage caused by Burton’s actions and the resilience of his victims in seeking justice after so many years.
