CHARLES BUXTON FROM NORTH SYDMTON SEXUAL OFFENCES IN BERKSHIRE AND NORWICH

In a case that has shocked the local community, Charles Buxton, a man in his seventies residing in North Sydmonton, Newbury, Berkshire, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences committed against an underage girl. The crimes, which spanned several years and were carried out in a manner that concealed their severity, were brought to light after a detailed investigation and a court hearing at Norwich Crown Court on September 13, 2023.

Buxton, aged 71, faced a comprehensive sentencing that reflected the gravity of his actions. The court handed down a total of nine and a half years in prison, with specific durations assigned to different charges. He received four years and two months for engaging in sexual activity with a minor, a charge that underscores the illegal and exploitative nature of his conduct. Additionally, he was sentenced to two years for causing or inciting a child to participate in sexual acts, a sentence to be served concurrently with the previous one. The most substantial part of his sentence, five years and four months, was ordered to be served consecutively, emphasizing the severity of the offences.

In addition to his prison sentence, Buxton was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a legal measure designed to restrict his activities and prevent further harm. He was also placed on the Sex Offender Register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct and whereabouts. These measures are standard in cases involving sexual offences against minors, aiming to protect the community and prevent recidivism.

Buxton had previously entered a guilty plea to the charges, which related to incidents that occurred between 2009 and 2011. The case came to public attention after the victim, who was underage at the time, reported the abuse to police on Monday, November 25, 2019. She revealed that she had been groomed and sexually abused by Buxton, who was then in his late 50s, during a period when he met her and her family in Cromer.

The court heard that Buxton’s grooming process began early in the 2000s, with him buying the young girl gifts such as sweets, money, and cigarettes. These gestures were part of his manipulative strategy to gain her trust and affection, making her believe she was in love with him. Over time, this trust was exploited as Buxton engaged in sexual activities with her, actions that have left lasting scars.

The victim, in a heartfelt statement read aloud in court, described the profound and lasting impact of Buxton’s actions. She spoke of how her life has been affected, noting that her face and body have changed over the years, and her family has grown. Despite the passage of time, she said, “the wounds of my childhood still open and weep,” affecting her mental health and daily life. She expressed how Buxton’s betrayal took away her voice, blurred the lines of love, and stole her innocence, all while hiding his crimes in plain sight from the world. Her words serve as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of grooming and sexual abuse, and the importance of justice for victims.