DOLGELLAU PENSIONER BRIAN HORTON SENTENCED FOR ABUSING TWO GIRLS IN NORTH WALES

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Dolgellau, North Wales, a 70-year-old man named Brian Frederick Horton was sentenced to prison after admitting to multiple counts of sexual abuse involving two young girls. Horton, who resides at Ffordd Pencefn in Dolgellau, faced a total of six charges related to the sexual exploitation of two girls aged 11 and eight. These allegations came to light during the Christmas period of 2007, leading to a police investigation that uncovered disturbing details about his actions.

According to the prosecution, led by Elen Owen, the offences were disclosed on Christmas Eve when the 11-year-old girl confided in her parents about being indecently assaulted by Horton. She revealed that the abuse had occurred between September and November of the previous year. Following her disclosure, Horton was promptly arrested. During initial police interviews, he maintained a silence, refusing to comment on the allegations. However, during a subsequent interview, Horton admitted to abusing the eight-year-old girl as well, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Further investigations uncovered a significant amount of digital material on Horton's computer, including 285 indecent images of children. Importantly, none of these images depicted the two girls involved in the abuse. Authorities confirmed that neither of the victims was related to Horton, emphasizing the random and predatory nature of his crimes.

At Caernarfon Crown Court, Horton pleaded guilty to the six counts of abuse. The court also considered 13 additional charges related to the possession of indecent images of children, which Horton asked for these to be taken into account during sentencing. The judge sentenced Horton to 32 months in prison. Additionally, Horton was disqualified from working with children indefinitely, a measure designed to prevent any future harm.

He was also ordered to register his address with the police for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his whereabouts. A sex offender protection order (SOPO) was issued against Horton, explicitly prohibiting him from contacting the two girls he had abused. The order also bans him from being alone with children under the age of 16 in any indoor setting, aiming to safeguard potential future victims and prevent any further offenses.