WILLIAM SHOTTON, 86, OF BERWICK, FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD
William Shotton, an 86-year-old resident of Berwick, was convicted following a trial of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.The incident involved a teenage boy who was lured into Shotton’s home under the false pretenses of receiving a Christmas gift and cash.
The boy noticed a note on Shotton’s door indicating he had something for him and asking him to knock.
When the boy did so, Shotton opened the door while standing behind it and appeared with his head peering out.
He then invited the boy inside.
Once inside and the door was shut, the boy realized that Shotton was completely naked.
According to Newcastle Crown Court, Shotton, who was widowed and had no prior criminal record, proceeded to sexually touch the boy over his clothing before the victim managed to escape.
Shotton, who continues to deny the charges, was sentenced to a six-month prison term suspended for two years and received a four-month curfew.
Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order and is required to register as a sex offender for seven years.
During the trial, the court heard that the offense took place in January 2020.
The victim observed a note on Shotton’s door suggesting there was a Christmas card and cash inside, with a heart drawn at the bottom.
After being let into the house, the boy was standing in the passageway as Shotton went to retrieve the promised items from another room.
Judge Paul Sloan QC stated in his sentencing remarks: "As you made your way there, he realized you were completely naked.
On your return to the passageway, he asked how old he was, and he told you.
Having handed over the card, he turned and headed for the front door.
The locking mechanism was difficult to operate, and he had trouble opening it." He added, "You came up behind him, slipped your hand onto his thigh and onto his bottom over his clothing, and asked if he had ever w*****.
You also moved your hand under his genitals and squeezed them over his clothing.
The boy managed to get the door open and escape.
There was a degree of planning involved, as you lured him into your home, creating an extremely vulnerable situation." A victim impact statement was read out, in which the boy expressed feelings of shock, shame, and embarrassment.
He said, "On the day it happened, I remember feeling so shocked it was almost as if I couldn't quite believe what had just happened.
I felt ashamed and embarrassed, especially when I had to tell my parents.
It was the first time since I was a small child I really cried.
I felt I had let my parents down by being in that position.
I felt so guilty and directed all of this to the people who cared and were trying to help me.
My school work was affected, and I now find it difficult to trust other people.
I now avoid the area of Berwick if I’m out and avoid going there." The court heard that the incident took place in January 2020.
The victim’s note suggested the presence of a Christmas card and cash, which Shotton then retrieved from another room once the boy was inside.
The boy was left standing in the passageway when Shotton left to get the items.
Mark Styles, defending Shotton, stated that his client continues to deny the offence.
He noted, "He is not in the best of health, and this has caused him a great deal of turmoil.
Sending a man of his age and infirmity into custody would be a crushing blow, as he would simply not cope." It was also revealed that Shotton served in the army and was known for his strong work ethic.
