JOHN SAXTON SENTENCED IN READING FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILD

In March 2014, a man from Reading was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. John Saxton, aged 71 and residing on Southcote Road in Reading, was brought before Reading Crown Court where he faced charges related to the abuse of a child under the age of 13.

Saxton was found guilty of three counts of raping a girl under 13, along with additional charges of sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court proceedings revealed the gravity of his crimes, which spanned over several counts and involved disturbing acts against a vulnerable victim.

Judge Peter Ross sentenced Saxton to a total of 16 years in prison for the three counts of rape, with the sentences to run concurrently. In addition to the prison term, Saxton was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, a measure designed to monitor and prevent further offences.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Sarah Grahame of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit expressed her satisfaction with the court’s decision. She emphasized that the sentence sends a clear message that crimes of this nature are taken very seriously. She also commended the bravery of the young victim, who had to give evidence during the trial despite the trauma involved. Grahame extended her gratitude to Detective Constables Emily Howey and Laura Peacock for their dedication and professionalism throughout the investigation.

Earlier in the trial, a jury of five men and six women deliberated for over 14 hours before reaching verdicts on multiple counts. On that day, Saxton was found guilty of a third count of raping the child, along with additional convictions for sexual assault and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The jury also acquitted him of one count of rape but continued deliberations on remaining charges.

Specifically, at around 1 pm, the jury returned guilty verdicts on two more counts of rape and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, with these decisions made by majority verdicts after nearly 19 hours of deliberation. Later, at 2:20 pm, they delivered another majority verdict on an additional count of rape. The jury still needs to reach verdicts on two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual activity with a child. All charges pertain to the same young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

As the jury was dismissed for the day, Saxton’s bail was revoked, and he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The case remains ongoing as the jury continues to deliberate on the remaining charges, underscoring the seriousness and complexity of this case involving a vulnerable victim and a defendant with a lengthy criminal history.