DELPH CALDER AND BURTON'S HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WHITTLESAY AND DOWNHAM MARKET

In a disturbing series of criminal acts that have shocked the communities of Whittlesey and Downham Market, three individuals have been linked to heinous child abuse offences, including sexual assault, incitement to child prostitution, and the production and distribution of indecent images of minors. The gravity of their crimes has led to lengthy prison sentences and lifelong restrictions to prevent further harm.

On July 23, 2020, Lee Calder, a 31-year-old woman from Whittlesey, appeared before Peterborough Crown Court via video link to face charges related to her involvement in child sexual offences. Calder pleaded guilty to a total of 14 counts, which included seven counts of assaulting a child under the age of 13 through penetration, four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activities, and three counts involving child prostitution and the creation of child sexual abuse images or videos. Her actions, which spanned over a period of time, have been described as deeply disturbing and indicative of a manipulative and predatory nature.

These revelations are part of a broader investigation that uncovered a network of offenders involved in the abuse of young children. The investigation was triggered in the spring of 2018 when Norfolk police were examining reports of indecent images being uploaded to online messaging platforms. During this inquiry, authorities learned about the involvement of Guy Delph, aged 29, and Kieran Burton, aged 28, both of whom were residing in Norfolk. Burton, who lived on Malthouse Road in Downham Market, and Delph, from Kemps Close in Downham Market, were both implicated in the abuse of four girls aged between three and ten over a span of two years, with a fifth girl being victimized from birth for three years.

Further investigations revealed that Delph and Burton had a close online relationship, sharing indecent images and discussing their mutual interest in child exploitation. Burton, who was also found to possess a 'paedophile manual' containing instructions and guidance on abusing children, was found to have made more than 35,000 indecent images of minors, including thousands classified as the most severe Category A images. Both men were arrested during a series of raids conducted on October 28, 2018, in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, where authorities seized 85 electronic devices containing tens of thousands of indecent images and videos, some featuring children as young as one year old, as well as adults later identified as Calder and Delph.

In May 2020, the full extent of their crimes was publicly acknowledged as both men received significant sentences. Guy Delph, of Peterborough Road, Downham Market, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 and a half years before parole eligibility. His crimes included multiple counts of child rape, assault, and production of child abuse images, with authorities highlighting his manipulative and deceptive character traits. Kieran Burton, from Malthouse Road, Downham Market, was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with a minimum of eight years to serve before parole consideration. Burton admitted to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activities, distributing indecent images, possessing extreme pornography, and owning a paedophile manual.

Both Delph and Burton were subjected to lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and were registered as sex offenders, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. Calder, who was also implicated in the abuse, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault and incitement involving children under 13. Her sentencing was scheduled for a later date, reflecting the seriousness of her involvement.

The investigation and subsequent arrests marked a significant step in addressing child exploitation crimes in the region. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and robust law enforcement efforts to combat such heinous offences and protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals.