ANDREW MORTON: HORRIFIC CRIME IN BLACKHALL, HULL, AND NEWTON AYCLIFFE LEADS TO 19-YEAR SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across County Durham and beyond, Andrew John Morton, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 19 years at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, August 15. The sentencing followed his recent conviction for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed shortly after his release from prison, where he was serving a ten-year sentence for multiple counts of rape and related crimes.

Morton, aged 32 and previously residing in Newton Aycliffe and Blackhall, both in County Durham, had been living recently in Hull at the time of his latest offenses. The court was told that he targeted a young teenage girl, whom he managed to ingratiate himself with through her group of friends. During the trial, it was revealed that Morton falsely claimed to be 19 years old, which allowed him to gain the trust of the girl and her peers.

The court heard that Morton subjected the girl to repeated sexual assaults over a period of several months last year. His actions were characterized by violence and intimidation; Shaun Dodds, the prosecutor, detailed how Morton would hold the girl by the throat, squeezing her neck to overpower her, forcing her into compliance with his sexual advances. Morton threatened her with violence if she resisted or attempted to report what was happening.

The abuse only came to light when the girl was found crying in her bedroom by her mother in February. When asked about her distress, she disclosed the details of the abuse, leading to Morton’s arrest. Despite his arrest, Morton initially denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence. He faced multiple charges, including four counts of rape, one count of sexual activity with a child, and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. He was also charged with one count of sexual assault.

Following a three-day trial in June, a jury unanimously found Morton guilty on all seven charges. The court heard that Morton had previously been convicted of similar offenses, having been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court in 2004 for five counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of indecent assault. His prior conviction was for crimes committed in the Teesside area, but his recent offenses occurred in and around Blackhall, Hull, and Newton Aycliffe.

Judge Christopher Prince, presiding over the case, warned Morton that he faced a significant period of incarceration, either on a life or extended sentence. Morton, however, chose not to attend the sentencing hearing in person, refusing to leave his prison cell. The judge, noting that Morton was “maybe too cowardly” to face his sentencing, proceeded with the hearing in his absence, as the victim and her family were present in court.

Representing Morton, Jim Withyman stated that it would be inappropriate to mitigate given the circumstances, especially considering the guilty verdicts. The judge imposed an extended sentence, which means Morton will only be eligible for parole after serving at least two-thirds of his 19-year term, contingent upon the Parole Board’s assessment of his rehabilitation and risk to the public. Additionally, Morton will be subject to six years of extended license conditions upon release and must register as a sex offender for life.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about sexual violence and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes to protect vulnerable young people in communities across County Durham, Hull, and Newton Aycliffe.