RICHARD BUTLIN FROM DESFORD SENTENCED FOR INTERNET GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community, Richard Butlin, a 47-year-old man from Desford, has been convicted of engaging in a disturbing pattern of online grooming and subsequent sexual abuse of a young girl. The incident unfolded after Butlin established contact with a 14-year-old girl through an internet chatroom, where he initially posed as a 19-year-old boy named Stu. Over time, he built an emotional connection with her, professing love and revealing his true age, which was in his 40s.

According to court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, Butlin’s manipulative tactics culminated in him persuading the girl to meet him in Weston-super-Mare. The girl, then 15, was lured away from her home near Tetbury under false pretenses. Butlin picked her up and took her to a bed and breakfast in the seaside resort, where the abuse took place. However, their illicit activities were interrupted when the suspicious owners of the establishment called the police. Officers arrived at the scene just as the abuse was occurring, leading to Butlin’s arrest.

Further investigation revealed that Butlin’s mobile phone and computer contained indecent photographs of the girl and other girls of similar age. These images, along with text messages exchanged between Butlin and the girl, included explicit content and expressions of affection, such as “love you too,” as well as discussions about underwear and photographs. The police also uncovered three topless pictures of the victim and approximately 40 indecent images of other young girls, which appeared to have been sent to him by the victims.

During the court hearing, Butlin pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including meeting a child following sexual grooming, engaging in sexual activity with a child, abducting a child, and possessing indecent images of children. He also admitted to making indecent images and possessing them on his devices. The prosecution highlighted that Butlin had previous convictions for two indecent assaults involving improper touching, adding to the severity of his current crimes.

Judge Carol Hagen sentenced Butlin to an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP), with a minimum term of four years before he could be considered for release. The judge emphasized the danger posed by such offenses, especially given that the victim was only 14 when contact was first made. She also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits Butlin from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, bans him from contacting the victim, and restricts his access to computers and the internet unless monitored by authorities. Additionally, Butlin was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

In her remarks, Judge Hagen commended the swift and courageous actions of Jonathan Mannings-Hill, a witness from the Richmond Hotel in Park Place, Weston-super-Mare, who called the police and was awarded £100 from public funds for his efforts. Prosecutor Kate Brunner detailed how Butlin and the girl exchanged messages of affection and explicit content, with Butlin claiming to be 42 years old, despite knowing her true age. The court heard that after a family dispute, the girl left her home in her school uniform, claiming she was going to school and visiting a friend, but instead met Butlin and traveled with him to Weston-super-Mare.

Police investigations revealed that Butlin had told the girl he loved her and engaged in sexual acts with her before their arrest. The authorities found her tearfully claiming to be 16, while Butlin expressed the belief she was “16-ish.” The evidence included explicit photographs and messages exchanged between them, which painted a disturbing picture of manipulation and exploitation.

Detective Constable Angela Church from the Bristol police force stated, “Last year Richard Butlin went on the internet and started an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl. One day he picked her up on her way to school, abducted her, and sexually assaulted her. Officers found her the same day she left, and Butlin was arrested. During the investigation, many indecent images of children were discovered on his computer. Today, he has been sentenced to a minimum of four years in prison for his actions. This sentence underscores the seriousness of his crimes and sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Avon and Somerset Constabulary takes child abuse very seriously and has specially trained officers dedicated to combating these crimes. This case highlights the importance of parental vigilance when it comes to children’s internet use, and the police urge guardians to monitor online activity and educate children about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.”