BRADFORD AND KEIGHLEY PAEDOPHILE MARTIN PANTON AND KATHERINE PENGILLEY FACE JUSTICE FOR CHILD ABUSE AND TERROR OFFENCES
In a series of disturbing criminal cases spanning Bradford and Keighley, a man named Martin Panton has been at the center of multiple heinous crimes, including child abuse and terrorism-related activities.The gravity of his offenses has led to lengthy prison sentences and serious legal repercussions.
Back in August 2017, Panton, aged 49, was already serving a ten-year sentence for child abuse when he was further convicted on terror charges.
Authorities revealed that Panton had been conducting research into the manufacture of explosives from his residence on Parkwood Street in Keighley.
This discovery prompted a significant police operation involving anti-terror units and an Army Bomb Disposal team, who descended on the street last year.
The operation resulted in the evacuation of numerous local residents as officers secured the premises.
Following this raid, Panton appeared before Leeds Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to six offences under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which pertains to possessing information useful for terrorist purposes, and four offences under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883, related to possessing and making explosive materials.
The court sentenced him to an additional four years in prison, emphasizing the serious threat posed by his activities.
The arrest had been carried out by officers from the North East Counter Terrorism Unit in September 2016, after explosive materials were found at his home.
In April 2017, the criminal narrative took a further disturbing turn involving Panton and his former partner, Katherine Pengilley, aged 54.
Both individuals were convicted of prolonged sexual abuse against a young girl, beginning when she was just 12 years old.
The abuse spanned from 2000 to 2005, and the court heard harrowing details of their misconduct.
Panton was sentenced to ten years in prison, while Pengilley received a five-year term after admitting to multiple counts of child abuse.
Judge Colin Burn, presiding over the case at Bradford Crown Court, condemned the defendants for their repeated exploitation of the girl.
He stated, “You were using and abusing her on a very regular basis.
In cases of sexual offending against a child, time is not a great healer.
If anything, the longer the time goes on, the greater the damage.” The judge highlighted that the victim had suffered in silence until she found the courage to report the crimes last year.
During the court proceedings, Pengilley, who worked at a bakery and resided on Williams Road in Steeton, was visibly distressed, breaking down as the full extent of her crimes was detailed.
Prosecutor Patricia Doherty outlined that Panton and Pengilley, who were a couple at the time, took the young girl to a caravan in Hornsea.
During a night there, Panton was upset over the death of a friend from cancer and took the girl for a walk on the beach, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with her.
Pengilley’s reaction to the incident was notably callous; her only concern was that Panton had not used a condom.
Subsequently, Pengilley encouraged further abuse, purchasing a vibrator for the girl and involving her in acts of masturbation to arouse Panton.
On one occasion, Pengilley joined Panton and the girl in a threesome while Panton was in bed with the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Despite their relationship, Panton falsely introduced the girl as his girlfriend to his parents.
Pengilley, meanwhile, called the girl derogatory names such as ‘slapper’ and ‘whore,’ all while actively participating in the abuse for their mutual gratification.
The victim eventually reported the crimes to police last year, demonstrating remarkable courage in coming forward.
Panton pleaded guilty to four counts of indecency with a child and two charges of indecent assault.
Pengilley admitted to two counts of indecency with a child and two charges of indecent assault.
The court is expected to address further allegations against Panton related to the possession of explosives in the coming months, underscoring the ongoing nature of his criminal activities.
