SUNDERLAND MAN STEPHEN TURTON SENTENCED FOR ABDUCTION AND RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In October 2009, a disturbing case unfolded in Sunderland involving Stephen Turton, a man whose actions have left a lasting scar on a young girl and the community at large. Turton, aged 36 at the time, was found guilty of abducting and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, leading to his indefinite imprisonment and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender.

The incident began on a seemingly ordinary day when the young girl, who had recently argued with her mother over trivial matters such as wearing makeup to school, was sitting on a wall in Sunderland with a friend, enjoying sweets. It was during this moment that Turton, driving a Nissan Almera, pulled up nearby. The vehicle was loud, with music blaring, and Turton was visibly intoxicated, drinking lager and exhibiting signs of alcohol consumption. He approached the girls and asked if they wanted a lift, an offer that was refused by the other girl but accepted by the 12-year-old.

What followed was a harrowing seven-hour ordeal. Turton claimed he was taking the girl to London, but his actions told a different story. During the journey, which took him through Sunderland and Peterlee, he made grossly inappropriate sexual remarks and engaged in sexual assault. The girl was subjected to rape and other sexual abuses during this time, with Turton making no effort to hide his intentions or his intoxication. The court heard that Turton had also driven off from two petrol stations without paying, further demonstrating reckless and criminal behavior.

The police became suspicious when they encountered the parked car in a lay-by at Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The girl, who had been told they were already in London, was interviewed by authorities. During the investigation, Turton claimed that the girl had told him she was 18, a statement he maintained during police interviews. However, the girl was clear and consistent in her account, emphasizing her true age and the fact that she had told Turton she was only 12.

Turton, who had prior convictions for violence, admitted to charges of child abduction, rape, sexual assault, and motoring offenses related to the stolen vehicle. Newcastle Crown Court heard the details of the case, with prosecutor James Adkin describing the girl’s account and the circumstances of her abduction. The judge, Beatrice Bolton, sentenced Turton to an indefinite term for public protection, explicitly stating that he would not be eligible for parole for at least six and a half years. Additionally, Turton was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

In her remarks, Judge Bolton expressed her concern over the young girl’s vulnerability and the gravity of Turton’s actions. She noted that the other girl, who initially refused to get into the car, was fortunate not to have been involved in the same ordeal. The judge emphasized the severity of the sexual abuse inflicted upon the girl, highlighting the betrayal of trust and the profound impact on her life.

Defense lawyer Paul Currer acknowledged Turton’s personality disorders and expressed that his client was genuinely remorseful for his actions. Nonetheless, the court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the public.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Dave Cole, who led the investigation, commented on the case’s severity. He stated, “The horrific nature of this incident has been reflected in the sentence Turton has been given. This will hopefully help bring to an end a traumatic time for the victim and I hope the sentence begins to give her and her family some kind of closure and allows them to move on from the incident.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such offenders and the importance of swift justice in protecting vulnerable members of society.