CRAIG BURFORD FROM HARTLEBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN STOURPORT

In a case that has shocked the local community, Craig Burford, an 18-year-old resident of Hartlebury, was sentenced to six months in detention after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Stourport. The incident unfolded in the town centre, where Burford, an aspiring golfer, met the young girl in a social group. According to court proceedings, after the girl had consumed a bottle of wine, she was visibly intoxicated and struggling to maintain her balance.

Taking advantage of her vulnerable state, Burford put his arm around her and led her to a nearby grassy area close to the Civic Centre. It was there that he engaged in inappropriate conduct, fondling her before both of them removed their trousers. The prosecuting attorney, Kerry Moreton, detailed that the girl was too embarrassed to disclose the incident to her mother immediately, which resulted in a four-month delay before police were able to interview her.

Burford, who was then 17 years old at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual touching by penetration. During sentencing at Worcester Crown Court, Judge John Cavell emphasized the gravity of the offence, stating, “It is a depressing fact that the victim was extremely drunk and you had been drinking too. You exploited her vulnerability.”

Further details revealed that the girl and a 13-year-old friend had entered Stourport on April 6 of the previous year. The girls were bought a bottle of wine each by a man, and later, they encountered three youths, including Burford. The court heard that Burford, who was 17 at the time, lay on the girl, and during this incident, the 13-year-old attempted to intervene by kicking and punching Burford.

Burford told police that he believed he was lucky to meet her and claimed she had told him she was just a week shy of her 16th birthday and that she had consented to sex. However, the girl insisted that Burford only asked which school she attended and that no contraceptive was used during the encounter.

Defense attorney Tariq Shakoor stated that Burford was employed as a greenkeeper at a golf club and had aspirations to develop his golfing talents further. He also emphasized that Burford had not intentionally supplied alcohol to the girl but acted impulsively and was now remorseful for his actions.

As part of his sentence, Burford was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years, reflecting the seriousness of his misconduct and the impact on the victim.