STEPHEN ANDERTON AND SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN LANCASHIRE
A man identified as Stephen Anderton has been convicted of numerous heinous sexual offenses against children in Lancashire.The jury at Burnley Crown Court found him guilty of offenses that include three counts of rape and an additional fifteen sexual abuse charges.
The severity and duration of Anderton’s crimes are particularly disturbing, as they trace back over a period of more than four decades.
Anderton, aged 53, was involved in abusing several young victims, with the youngest being only four years old at the time of his initial acts of misconduct.
The extent of his alleged sexual abuse only came to light following a report from the mother of one of the victims, who contacted the police in 2018 to report her child's victimization.
The investigation then expanded, leading authorities to identify additional victims and gather evidence that linked Anderton to these disturbing crimes.
He resides on Bank Street in Padiham, and throughout the trial, Anderton consistently denied the allegations against him.
Despite his denials, the jury at Burnley Crown Court concluded that the evidence presented proved his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
On the conclusion of the trial, Anderton was remanded into custody, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 22 at the same court.
Detective Sergeant Alex Rawsthorn, a member of the Blackburn Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, commented on the verdict, stating: “Anderton was found guilty of the most depraved offences imaginable.
I would like to express my thanks to the officer in case whose tenacity and dedication has been unwavering.
Most importantly, I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude and admiration for the victims who have endured an agonising wait for justice.
They have shown remarkable courage throughout this case.”
