MAN, 74, JAILED FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES
A Powys man has been sentenced to nearly ten years behind bars after a conviction for multiple historic sexual offenses committed against a young child.Jonathan Warburton, aged 74, was found guilty of carrying out extended sexual abuse against his victim during the 1990s.
In addition, charges concerning the possession and creation of indecent images of children, discovered on his computer, relate to incidents between 2009 and 2022.
During a sentencing hearing at Mold Crown Court on May 28, prosecutor Simon Mintz explained that Warburton minimised his offenses by framing them as a ‘childish game.’ “He described the sexual assault as a playful act,” Mr Mintz said.
The abuse continued even after the victim's family moved away, when Warburton, residing at Manara, Golfa, near Welshpool, visited her with his partner.
“Soon after, the victim told her mother about what had been happening,” Mr Mintz continued.
“Her mother confronted Warburton, who denied everything.
“Warburton and his partner then had a letter drafted by a solicitor, claiming the victim was confused, leading to no further action at that time.” The victim, after years of therapy, came forward as an adult in 2021, which resulted in Warburton’s arrest in March 2022.
He openly admitted to knowing that the allegations would eventually catch up with him, but denied guilt on all charges.
Police recovered his desktop computer and found 52 indecent images, including three in the most severe Category A classification.
A victim impact statement read in court revealed the long-lasting effects: “I think about it daily, even after more than 30 years.
He has robbed me of so much.
I often wonder who I might have been without this ordeal.” She described her ongoing struggles with boundaries and shame: “I knew things other children didn’t, and this has left me with a deep sense of shame that I’ve carried all my life.” She also spoke about the manipulation she experienced, noting, “He was cunning and controlling.
It took me years to understand that it wasn’t my fault and that the shame belonged to him.
It’s his terrible deed.” Since disclosing the abuse, she has faced questions from others about her previous silence.
Defense lawyer Myles Wilson noted that Warburton disclosed everything in a pre-sentence report.
“He’s in denial, but he's now working through what he did,” Mr Wilson explained.
“He views the abuse as having a ‘monster’ inside him that he’s now overcame.” Wilson emphasised that Warburton regrets his actions and the litigation process.
He also pointed out that Warburton's family remains supportive, and his 35-year marriage continues to be solid.
Judge Gwyn Jones described Warburton’s sexual preferences as “distorted” and his attitude toward children as “warped.” The judge sentenced him to nine and a half years in prison, with another six and a half years to run concurrently.
He stated that three other charges from the late 1980s involving a different victim, on which the jury could not reach a verdict, will be kept on file.
Additionally, Warburton will have to adhere to notification rules, a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), and a restraining order until the court makes any changes.
