KENNETH MORTON FROM ROTHERHAM EXPOSED AS SECRET PAEDOPHILE IN SHOCK FOSTER CARE SCANDAL

In a disturbing revelation that has shaken the community of Rotherham, Kenneth Morton, a man once regarded as the epitome of trustworthiness and suitability as a foster parent, has been exposed as a predatory paedophile who systematically abused vulnerable girls under his care for several years.

Morton, aged 58, managed to deceive not only his wife but also his extended family, who remained completely unaware of the horrific crimes he was committing behind closed doors. His actions came to light after a police investigation that uncovered the extent of his abuse, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.

At Sheffield Crown Court, Morton pleaded guilty to a total of 11 charges, including attempted rape, indecent assault, and other sex offences. The court heard that over a period of five years, he sexually assaulted two girls, aged 11 and 13, at his residence in Rotherham. His crimes were described as both systematic and escalating in severity, with Morton attempting to justify his actions by claiming he was providing the girls with 'lessons in sex.'

One of his victims recounted how Morton told her, 'You have got to learn how to pleasure a man,' during their encounters. In a further disturbing detail, Morton manipulated one of the girls into acting as a lookout, ensuring he could continue his abuse without interruption. His conduct was characterized by a calculated effort to exploit the trust placed in him as a foster carer.

Despite his criminal record being clean prior to these offences, Morton had been approved by social services as a foster carer and had been officially caring for children for a decade. His role as a foster parent was seen as ideal, given his experience as a father of three and a grandfather. However, beneath this facade, he was engaged in a prolonged campaign of abuse against the very children he was entrusted to protect.

Judge Alan Goldsack QC described Morton's actions as falling into the 'most serious' category of offending. He emphasized that Morton had betrayed the trust of the children and their families, causing profound harm. The judge stated, 'You, with your wife, were seen as the ideal foster carers, but a few years ago, you began abusing girls around 11 who were placed into your care. This was sustained and serious offending on an escalating scale. Your victims did not give consent. They were powerless to stop you.'

During the sentencing, Morton collapsed in the dock and required assistance from prison officers to be seated. As a result of his crimes, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits any unsupervised contact with children.

Prosecutor Fiona Swain provided further details, revealing that one girl, who was abused at age 11, had previously confided in Morton's granddaughter, but her concerns were not believed at the time. Another girl, also aged 11, referred to Morton and his wife as 'nana and grandad.' Morton began showing her pornographic films 'to teach her about sex' and instructed her not to tell his wife, Patricia. Police later discovered 13 pornographic discs at his home.

Swain explained that Morton’s justification was that he did not want the girl to have children at a young age, similar to other foster children. The court heard that Morton repeatedly assaulted her and made two attempts to rape her in the kitchen and living room of his home.

Morton was arrested in March of this year after one of the girls reported the abuse to her grandmother, who then informed her mother. The police were called, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

He admitted to two attempted rapes, two indecent assaults, indecency with a child, four sex assaults, and causing a child to watch a sex act. His defense attorney, Tim Savage, attributed the offences to Morton’s heavy drinking, which he claimed had spiraled out of control at the time. Savage expressed remorse, stating, 'He feels shame for what he has done and feels remorse for his victims and his own family.'

Outside the court, Detective Constable Rob Platts commented on the case, highlighting that Morton’s wife and family were completely unaware of his activities. He explained that Morton went to great lengths to conceal his misconduct within the home. The impact on the victims was described as devastating, with the girls experiencing significant distress and trauma after trusting Morton and being placed in his care.

A spokesperson for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council reaffirmed that foster carers are subject to strict supervision, including visits from social workers at least once every six weeks, to prevent such breaches of trust from occurring.