East Lancashire sex offender found guilty of abusing children
The offences were all committed in the 1980s
An East Lancashire man has been found guilty of raping and abusing children in the 1980s.
Stephen Anderton, from Padiham, raped three girls and sexually abused a boy, in attacks spanning four decades.
The mother of one of the victims first contacted the police to report Anderton’s crime against their daughter in 2018.
Enquiries from our detectives then led to further victims being identified.
Anderton, of Bank Street, Padiham, stood trial at Burnley Crown Court and has now been found guilty of five rapes and 15 other sexual offences committed against children.
DS Alex Rawsthorn, of the Blackburn Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said “Anderton was found guilty of the most depraved offences imaginable. I would like to express my thanks to the officer in case whose tenacity and dedication has been unwavering. Most importantly, I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude and admiration for the victims who have endured an agonising wait for justice. They have shown remarkable courage throughout this case.”
He was remanded into custody to be sentenced at the same court on September 22.