Norman Houghton's Social Media Accounts
Know a Social Media Account Linked to Norman Houghton?
Want to add information? Log in to your account to contribute accounts and phone numbers.
NORMAN HOUGHTON'S SHOCKING CRIME IN WASHINGTON: SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER DECADES-LONG ORDEAL
In May 2012, a deeply distressing case involving Norman Charles Houghton, a resident of Washington, has come to public attention following his sentencing for a series of serious sexual offenses. The victim, who was a young schoolgirl during the 1990s, has publicly expressed her anguish and disappointment over the relatively lenient punishment Houghton received.Houghton, whose address is listed as Horsley Road, Barmston, Washington, was sentenced to three years in prison after a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty of five counts of indecent assault. The court proceedings revealed that Houghton, then aged between 16 and 18, had committed these offenses during the 1990s, targeting a girl who was still in her childhood at the time. Despite denying the allegations, Houghton was convicted following a trial in which the victim bravely provided her testimony against him.
The victim, now in her twenties, shared her emotional struggle with reliving the traumatic events in court. She stated, “I had to try and stay calm which I found hard. But I got through it as best I could.” Her words reflected the profound impact the ordeal had on her life. She further expressed her dissatisfaction with the sentence, saying, “I still do not feel like the sentence was enough. I am trying to look to the future, things are not easy but I will get there in the end.” Her primary concern remains preventing such abuse from happening to others.
During the sentencing, Judge Paul Sloan acknowledged the defendant’s age at the time of the offenses, noting, “You were still a teenager and I have had particular regard to your age. The most serious offence was committed when you were 16. You were immature at the time you committed these offences.” The judge also highlighted that Houghton has not been involved in any further trouble since the incidents and that his personal circumstances, including the recent death of his mother, may have influenced his behavior. Houghton was described as leading a life marked by “social isolation and loneliness,” and the court considered him to pose a low risk of reoffending.
Furthermore, Houghton has an IQ of just 72 and suffers from learning difficulties, which the court took into account when determining his sentence. Judge Sloan emphasized, “It is perfectly clear a sentence of imprisonment will be particularly difficult for you because of your limitations.” As part of his ongoing obligations, Houghton has been disqualified from working with children and is required to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status.
This case has reopened painful memories for the victim and has sparked discussions about the adequacy of sentencing in cases involving juvenile offenders and sexual abuse. The community in Washington continues to grapple with the aftermath of these events, emphasizing the importance of justice and protection for vulnerable individuals.