DANIEL ANDERTON SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ORMESBY AND TEESSIDE

In April 2019, a disturbing case unfolded at Teesside Crown Court involving Daniel Anderton, a resident of Henry Taylor Court in Ormesby, Middlesbrough. The court heard harrowing details of his grooming, molestation, and sexual assault of a vulnerable underage girl, leading to his conviction and a lengthy prison sentence.

Throughout the trial, the brave victim faced her abuser in the courtroom, tearfully recounting her ordeal. She expressed her feelings of disbelief and fear, stating, "I thought people wouldn’t believe me." Her testimony painted a grim picture of the manipulation and abuse she endured at the hands of Anderton, who targeted her when she was particularly vulnerable.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds highlighted that Anderton deliberately sought out a "particularly vulnerable child," exploiting her trust and innocence. Court records revealed that he had given her alcohol and medication to make her sleepy, a tactic used to facilitate his abuse. At one point, the girl fell asleep, and upon awakening, Anderton falsely claimed that they had engaged in sexual activity and insisted she had enjoyed it. He also issued threats to silence her, warning her not to tell anyone about what was happening.

Following the conviction, the victim expressed relief at finally being believed, despite Anderton’s continued denial of the crimes. She took the stand to read out powerful statements about the profound impact the abuse had on her mental health and daily life. She described suffering from anxiety, depression, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. She revealed that she had believed Anderton’s threats, which she now recognizes as blackmail, but later realized that everything he told her was a lie.

She recounted feelings of numbness during the abuse, and how each touch made her wish for it to end. Her heart would race, and she struggled to breathe during those moments. The trauma left her feeling isolated, with diminished confidence, making it difficult to socialize, form friendships, or trust others. The emotional toll was immense, and she described the night she confided in her family as one of the most difficult moments of her life. She was overwhelmed with relief and surprise when her family responded with support and comfort, rather than anger or rejection.

In her statement, she admitted to feeling responsible, believing she had allowed the abuse to happen. However, she now understands that she was a vulnerable child exploited by Anderton. Her words underscored the devastating effects of his actions and the importance of justice.

Anderton, who denied three counts of rape, one of sexual assault, and five of sexual activity with a child, claimed that his sexual encounters with the girl were consensual once she turned 16. During the trial, he also admitted to having sex with another underage girl, asserting he believed she was over the age of consent. However, the jury rejected his account, convicting him unanimously on all charges after a thorough trial.

Supporters, including Anderton’s mother and friends, appeared distressed but provided character references for him. Despite this, Judge Stephen Ashurst delivered a stern judgment, condemning Anderton’s behavior as selfish and devious. The judge emphasized that Anderton exploited and threatened his victim, showing a blatant disregard for her well-being.

Judge Ashurst remarked that Anderton’s lack of remorse and denial of his actions demonstrated a troubling attitude towards the harm he caused. He expressed concern about the potential for future offenses if Anderton’s attitude did not change. The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison, with the first half to be served before consideration for parole. Additionally, Anderton received an extra year’s license for being classified as an "offender of particular concern."

Furthermore, he was subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from contacting the victim, approaching within 100 meters of her home or workplace, or having unsupervised contact with girls under 16. He will also remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.