HOWARD BUTCHER FROM BLACKPOOL AND MARTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN BLACKPOOL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blackpool and the surrounding Marton area, Howard Butcher, a 56-year-old man residing on Hemingway in Marton, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The crimes, which have left the victims emotionally scarred and their families devastated, span a period from 1999 to 2005 and involve multiple forms of sexual misconduct.

During a trial held at Preston Crown Court, it was revealed that Butcher was convicted of five separate charges. These included one count of indecent assault, another of attempted indecent assault, two charges of sexual assault, and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court heard that the offenses involved inappropriate touching and other forms of sexual contact, some of which reportedly occurred on a coach, adding a disturbing element to the case.

Prosecutor Louise Whaites detailed how Butcher’s misconduct extended beyond the acts themselves. She explained that after some of the offenses, he would give the victims, both under the age of 16, small sums of money—specifically, five pounds—possibly as a means of silencing or manipulating them. The defendant was arrested in January 2011, after which he vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the girls were lying about the incidents.

Judge Christopher Cornwall, presiding over the case, sentenced Butcher to three and a half years in prison. The judge emphasized the lasting impact of the crimes, noting that the victims’ confidence and educational pursuits had been severely affected. He described the offenses as casting “a very dark shadow over their lives,” and expressed concern over Butcher’s apparent lack of remorse.

During the sentencing, Judge Cornwall also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order on Butcher. This order prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with girls under 16 indefinitely. Additionally, he is barred from working with children and will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Defending Butcher, Chris Hudson, acknowledged the devastating effect the allegations have had on his client’s family, including his wife. He described Butcher as having been a “likeable coach driver” in the past, but recognized that the offenses, which occurred many years ago, have caused irreparable harm. Hudson urged the court to consider the long-term consequences of the crimes, which have profoundly affected the victims and their loved ones.

Judge Cornwall concluded his remarks by condemning Butcher’s continued denial of guilt, stating that there was “no remorse, no insight into the devastation” caused. The judge’s words underscored the gravity of the case and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from individuals like Butcher, whose actions have left a lasting scar on the community of Blackpool and Marton.