ANDREW HAYTON FROM LITTLEPORT SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN CAMBRIDGE

In a case that has shocked the community of Littleport and the wider Cambridgeshire area, Andrew Hayton, aged 38, was brought to justice for a prolonged and heinous campaign of sexual abuse spanning over 15 years. The disturbing revelations emerged during a court hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, where it was detailed how Hayton, a resident of Guernsey Way in Littleport, systematically groomed and manipulated four young girls, subjecting them to a series of sexual assaults that left deep scars.

According to court statements, one of the victims recounted her nightly struggles, revealing that she would cry herself to sleep due to the trauma inflicted by Hayton. The court heard that Hayton had pleaded guilty to a total of 11 charges, which included three counts of rape, six of sexual assault, and two of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. His guilty plea was a significant development in the case, which highlighted the extent of his criminal conduct.

Judge Jonathan Haworth, presiding over the case, described Hayton’s actions as a “campaign of abuse which is difficult to believe,” emphasizing the gravity and duration of his misconduct. The judge remarked that it was only when considering the full scope of Hayton’s behavior that the seriousness of his crimes became apparent. He also criticized Hayton for showing little genuine remorse or understanding of the impact his actions had on his victims.

Prosecutor Angela Rafferty provided additional context, revealing that there was a fifth victim whose abuse began as early as 1983. She explained that Hayton had deliberately groomed these young girls and employed manipulative tactics to silence them, making it difficult for them to speak out during the investigation. Rafferty also pointed out that Hayton had attempted to deny his guilt, lying during police interviews, which further underscored his deceitful nature.

Victims’ statements read aloud in court painted a harrowing picture of suffering. One victim expressed feeling “permanently sick” at the thought of her fellow victims’ pain, while another expressed hope that all victims would eventually be able to lead normal lives free from the shadow of their trauma.

In mitigation, Christopher Morgan highlighted Hayton’s decision to plead guilty, which the court acknowledged. As part of his sentence, Judge Haworth imposed a sexual offences prevention order, explicitly prohibiting Hayton from having any contact with girls under the age of 16 or with any of his victims. Additionally, Hayton was banned from working with children for life and was ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release from custody.

Judge Haworth also commended Cambridgeshire Police for their compassionate approach towards the victims and the diligent efforts of officers like Detective Constable Jo Crisall, who played a vital role in ensuring that Hayton was no longer a threat to the community. Hayton was subsequently sentenced to an indeterminate term for public protection, with a minimum of six years to serve before he could be considered for release, contingent upon a determination that he no longer posed a risk to the public.