GLEN TURTON WOMBWELL CHILD RAPIST'S SENTENCE SLASHED BY APPEAL COURT

In a development that has sparked outrage among victims and their families, the sentence of Glen Turton, a notorious child rapist from Wombwell, has been reduced by the Court of Appeal, prompting feelings of anger and dismay among those affected.

Turton, aged 59 and residing on Burrows Grove in Wombwell, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of five young girls over a span of 15 years. His victims ranged in age from as young as eight to as old as 20, with the abuse leaving many of them emotionally scarred and profoundly affected for life.

Turton’s criminal activities came to light when he pleaded guilty to all 16 counts of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault during his appearance at Sheffield Crown Court. The court heard that he had groomed his victims, manipulated them into trusting him, and then subjected them to repeated acts of sexual violence. His crimes included raping a girl when she was just 13 years old and sexually assaulting another victim on five separate occasions.

Initially, Turton was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2014. The sentence reflected the gravity of his offenses and the long-term harm inflicted upon his victims. Alongside his imprisonment, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was permanently barred from working with children.

However, Turton’s legal team challenged his sentence, arguing that it was excessively harsh. During the appeal hearing, Mr. Justice Lewis, sitting alongside Lord Justice Davis and Judge Martyn Zeidman QC, acknowledged the severity of Turton’s crimes but ultimately decided that the 18-year sentence was too severe. He stated that there was no doubt about the seriousness of the offenses, which justified a lengthy custodial sentence, but he found that reducing the term was appropriate.

As a result, Turton’s sentence was cut from 18 years to 15 years. This decision has been met with widespread criticism from victims’ advocates and those close to the case, who believe that the reduction undermines the severity of Turton’s crimes and the suffering of his victims.

One of the victims’ friends expressed concern that Turton may have committed similar offenses beyond those already uncovered. They urged any other potential victims to come forward, emphasizing that while reporting might not significantly alter Turton’s prison time, it could help others begin the process of healing and reclaiming their lives.

In the broader context, Turton’s case highlights ongoing issues surrounding sentencing in sexual offense cases and the importance of ensuring justice for victims. The community in Wombwell and beyond continues to grapple with the impact of his crimes, hoping that justice will ultimately be served and that such atrocities are never repeated.