JOSHUA BURTON FROM LAWRENCE WESTON SENTENCED FOR MOLESTATION IN BRISTOL

In April 2018, a disturbing case involving a man from Lawrence Weston, Bristol, culminated in a prison sentence after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in the girl’s own home, shocked the local community and highlighted serious concerns about child safety and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.

According to court proceedings, Joshua Burton, aged 25 and residing on Windcliff Crescent in Lawrence Weston, entered the girl’s bedroom while under the influence of alcohol. It was reported that he touched her thigh and then proceeded to squeeze her backside three times over her pyjama shorts. The assault left the young girl visibly distressed, and her family discovered her in a state described as “robotic” the following day. The girl confided in her teachers at school about what had happened, which prompted her family to contact the police and initiate an investigation.

Burton pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault of a child under 13 in April of the previous year. The court was informed that he had a history of breaching non-custodial sentences, which added to the severity of his case. Judge Euan Ambrose sentenced Burton to ten months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of the violation. The judge stated, “A child should feel safe asleep in bed at night. It was a violation of that and, quite simply, very frightening.”

In addition to his prison term, Burton was subjected to a ten-year restraining order, which prohibits him from having any contact with the young girl or her family. Prosecutor Philip Warren described Burton’s behavior as initially apologetic after the incident, but the emotional toll on the girl was evident. The girl’s mental health appeared to decline following the assault; she was described as having gone from being a confident child to someone who shunned social interactions and exhibited signs of anger and depression.

Police efforts to locate Burton were successful, and he was detained following the incident. Although he initially denied the allegations of sexual assault, he ultimately pleaded guilty three weeks before a scheduled trial. The case underscored the devastating impact such crimes can have on young victims and the importance of swift justice. The court’s decision aimed to protect the girl and serve as a warning to others about the serious consequences of such heinous acts.