NEWSAGENT GUILTY OF SEX ACT AGAINST GIRL, NINE
A man aged 42, working as a newsagent, has been found guilty of a serious indecency act involving a nine-year-old girl within his shop premises.David George Winterbottom, who lives on New Hall Lane in Heaton, denied that he took the girl into a rear room, showed her adult magazines, and then removed his clothing to commit a lewd act.
After a jury deliberation lasting three hours, an 11 to one majority verdict convicted him.
He has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.
Evidence presented at Bolton Crown Court revealed the girl visited the shop at 4.40pm on August 9 of the previous year to purchase an ice pop during the warmest day of the year.
The girl testified that Winterbottom opened her ice pop and then led her into the back of the shop, instructing her to sit.
He presented her with two pornographic magazines depicting naked men and women.
Winterbottom then disrobed completely, asked her if he looked as attractive as the men in the magazines, and proceeded to commit a lewd act while she watched.
The girl said she needed to go home because she would get into trouble, prompting Winterbottom to warn her not to tell anyone.
She subsequently left the premises.
The defendant, who had no previous criminal record, claimed he told the girl to exit through the back entrance after she appeared frightened by two boys engaged in a water fight outside.
He denied any involvement in taking her into the back room, showing her adult magazines, undressing, or engaging in any inappropriate conduct.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 19, and he has been granted conditional bail, which restricts him from operating his shop alone, limits his working hours, and prohibits him from speaking with trial witnesses.
