KEVIN BRITTON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SWAFFHAM AND NORWICH

In a significant case that has spanned decades, Kevin Britton, a man in his early seventies from North Pickenham near Swaffham, was handed down a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences. The proceedings took place at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, May 4, 2023, where Britton appeared to face justice for crimes that had remained hidden for over 50 years.

Britton, aged 71, entered the courtroom to face 13 counts of sexual misconduct, to which he initially pleaded not guilty. The charges included nine counts of indecent assault on a man aged 16 or over, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, and an additional count of attempted rape involving a man aged 16 or over. After a detailed three-week trial, the jury reached a unanimous verdict, convicting Britton on all counts.

Following the conviction, the judge sentenced Britton to a decade behind bars and ordered that he be registered on the Sexual Offenders Register for life. The offences, which spanned from 1971 to 2004, involved three victims who suffered at the hands of Britton, who exploited a position of trust to carry out these planned and repeated assaults. The prolonged nature of these crimes caused significant psychological trauma to the victims, many of whom struggled for years to come to terms with their experiences.

During the court proceedings, victim impact statements were read aloud, shedding light on the profound and lasting effects of Britton’s actions. One victim shared, “It’s taken me 25 years to speak, 25 years to work out who I am. Years of emotional distress, unable to process, understand or manage my own emotions.” Another victim expressed relief and hope, stating, “I have peace in knowing that I was believed, and that Kevin can’t go on to abuse anyone again. I hope this case allows other victims to be able to have a voice and show that you don’t have to suffer in silence.”

His Honour Judge Anthony Bate, presiding over the case, described Britton’s actions as a “campaign of sexual abuse against young people since the 1970s,” emphasizing the long history of his misconduct. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of these offences and the importance of holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving abuse of trust and the enduring impact on victims’ lives.