BENJAMIN BRUTON FROM CIRENCESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Cirencester and the surrounding Gloucestershire area, Benjamin Bruton, a 20-year-old man, was recently sentenced to a young offenders' institution after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The incident, which took place in April of this year, involved Bruton having a sexual relationship with a girl who was only 14 years old at the time.

According to court proceedings, Bruton had previously been cautioned by police for a similar offense in September 2008. Despite this prior warning, he continued to engage in inappropriate conduct with underage girls, a fact that was emphasized during the sentencing. Judge William Hart addressed Bruton directly, stating, "The law is there to protect underage girls and prevent them from being exploited. You had sex with her knowing she was underage and you had been cautioned for an identical offence in September 2008. You knew the law and you knew it was wrong, and the message must go out that such offences will be met by a custodial sentence."

Bruton, who resides at The Waterloo in Cirencester, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child. The court was told that the victim, a young girl, was taken to a police station by her mother after she admitted to her mother that she had engaged in sexual activity with Bruton. The girl revealed that she and Bruton had met regularly, initially through mutual friends—her friend was dating a friend of his. She disclosed that she was only 14 when their relationship began, which involved kissing and touching at first.

Further details indicated that Bruton advised her to keep their relationship secret. The girl explained that their sexual encounters were consensual, and she believed she was in love with him. The situation came to light when another friend saw her leaving Bruton’s flat, leading to her mother discovering the relationship. When Bruton was arrested, he claimed that although he knew she was only 14, he believed they were in love and that she was willing to engage in the relationship.

During the court hearing, Bruton’s defense lawyer, Dermot Clarke, stated that his client had been honest and forthcoming with police. He also acknowledged that Bruton was aware his actions were wrong, especially given his previous caution. The lawyer emphasized that Bruton had previously been involved in relationships with women of legal age and was not someone who targeted young girls.

Judge William Hart remarked that if the case had gone to trial, the sentence could have ranged from three to seven years in prison. He expressed disappointment that Bruton had not learned from his earlier caution and highlighted the seriousness of his actions. In addition to the custodial sentence, Bruton was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, underscoring the gravity of his misconduct and the importance of community safety.