MAURICE BUTTON'S HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN TORQUAY AND EXETER LEAD TO 13-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Maurice Button, a 69-year-old man from Newton Abbot, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against children over a span of more than forty years.The crimes, which took place in various locations including Torquay and Exeter, came to light after a lengthy trial at Exeter Crown Court, during which Button initially fled the proceedings before ultimately surrendering himself to authorities.
The case centered around two young girls, one aged just eight and the other 12 at the time of the abuse.
The trial revealed that Button, who worked as a handyman at a hotel in Torquay, had groomed one of his victims over a two-week period.
During this grooming process, he showered her with praise, making her feel special, which was part of his manipulative strategy to gain her trust.
Once trust was established, he subjected her to repeated indecent assaults and unlawful sexual intercourse, actions that left deep scars on her psyche.
The court heard that six of the offences were committed against the older girl, with the abuse occurring over a period that included grooming, indecency, and rape.
The younger girl was also a victim of a gross act of indecency committed by Button when she was only eight years old.
The evidence painted a picture of a predatory paedophile who used his outgoing and 'fun' personality as a façade to hide his true intentions.
One of the victims, in a powerful statement to the court, described her long struggle to come to terms with her trauma.
She explained how she had tried to suppress her memories, locking them away in her mind, and even considered suicide as a way to escape her pain.
However, she expressed pride in her courage to speak out and bring Button to justice, emphasizing the support she received from her family, friends, and the police.
She told Button directly, “I tried to forget over the years.
I boxed you up and put you to the back of my head and threw away the key.” She added, “I will go today knowing I fought my demons and won with the support of family, friends and the police.” Another victim, also recalling her ordeal, described how she had struggled to suppress the memories of the abuse.
She recounted that Button’s acts of indecency and assault had a lasting impact on her life, and she expressed her feelings of betrayal and shame.
Button’s criminal history includes a previous conviction from 1995, when he was jailed for six months for indecently assaulting a child.
Despite this, he continued to offend, which the court acknowledged as a grave concern.
During the trial, Button’s defense solicitor, Ms.
Virginia Cornwall, stated that since his previous conviction, he had not committed any further offences and had been happily married for twenty years.
She also highlighted his health issues, including diabetes, suggesting that imprisonment would be particularly difficult for him.
On the day of the trial, Button was scheduled to give evidence but instead left the court premises at lunchtime, changed his clothes, and drove away.
Police issued an appeal for information, revealing that he was last seen disembarking from a bus in Sidmouth High Street around 2:45 pm.
Despite efforts to locate him, he remained missing for a period, during which the trial continued in his absence.
Over the weekend, Button voluntarily surrendered himself to the authorities.
Judge David Evans, presiding over the case, commented on his disappearance, stating, “Perhaps that was always due to happen given you had little to eat and nowhere to go.” The judge also condemned Button’s attempt to evade justice, describing it as a deliberate effort to delay proceedings.
As a result, Button was sentenced to an additional six months in prison for absconding, which must be served prior to beginning his 13-year sentence for the sexual offences.
Judge Evans delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the gravity of Button’s crimes.
He stated, “The truth was you are a paedophile and you had a sexual interest in young girls.
You used your position as an adult with a reputation for being gregarious and friendly and fun as the means by which to trick the first victim when she was just eight years old.” The judge pointed out that the initial offence occurred when Button was 28 years old and involved the younger girl, with subsequent offences against the older girl being even more serious.
He further remarked that Button’s confidence in the victims’ inability to report the crimes was misplaced, and that his actions had caused lasting trauma that would affect the victims for years to come.
The court acknowledged that the sentencing guidelines in 2021 would be more severe than those in 1980, and this was taken into account when determining the final sentence.
Button is required to serve at least half of his 13-year prison term before being eligible for parole.
Following his release, he will be subject to a further year on licence, ensuring continued supervision.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators like Maurice Button.
