MICHAEL WOOTON FROM DEESIDE AND PERTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN FLINTSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Deeside and Perth, Michael Wooton, a man with a troubling history, was brought before the court to face justice for heinous crimes committed against a young girl in Flintshire. The proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over 15 years, during which Wooton exploited the innocence of his victim in a manner that has left lasting scars.

Wooton, aged 51, who previously worked as a respected usher at Chester Crown Court, Warrington, and Knutsford, appeared in Mold to hear the details of his dark past. As the court session unfolded, Wooton was seen holding his head in his hands, visibly distressed as the gravity of his actions was laid bare. Despite his professional reputation, the reality was that he had been engaging in sexual abuse of a girl living in the Flintshire area for more than a decade and a half.

The court heard that Wooton had committed multiple offences, including 10 counts of sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and indecent exposure. These offences took place between 1996 and 2012, a period during which the victim, who was very young at the time, endured unimaginable suffering. The judge, Rhys Rowlands, described the offences as having a profound and lasting impact on the victim’s life. He emphasized that Wooton’s actions were driven by a desire for sexual gratification and that he believed he had “got away with it” for many years.

Wooton, who now resides at Kinross High Street in Perth but hails from Deeside in North Wales, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was subjected to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge highlighted the significant delay in bringing the case to court, which allowed Wooton to lead a seemingly normal life for many years while the victim, who was very young when the abuse began, had to live with the trauma.

Judge Rhys Rowlands remarked that the victim “cannot escape from it,” noting that she continues to suffer from night terrors, nightmares, and flashbacks. Her victim impact statement, which Wooton had read with care, detailed the ongoing emotional toll of his actions. She described her struggles with trust issues, depression, and anxiety, illustrating the deep and lasting scars left by his abuse.

Prosecuting barrister Matthew Curtis pointed out that Wooton had initially denied the allegations to police and pleaded not guilty. However, he later changed his plea to guilty, which spared the court the ordeal of a trial. Despite the delay in justice, the court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the enduring harm inflicted upon his victim. Wooton’s case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable, regardless of how long it takes for justice to be served.