Man jailed for nine and half years for grooming and sexually abusing child in Norfolk
The victim was targeted in Cromer between 2009 and 2011
Last updated 14th Sep 2023
A man has been jailed for nine and a half years for the grooming and sexual abuse of a girl in Norfolk more than a decade ago.
Charles Buxton, 71, of North Sydmonton, Newbury, Berkshire, admitted to sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Norwich Crown Court.
He was sentenced yesterday (September 13) for the offences, which happened between 2009 and 2011.
He was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offender Register.
The victim came forward to police in 2019 to report being grooming into a sexual relationship by Buxton, who she'd met in Cromer.
The court heard that Buxton had started by buying the victim gifts in the early 2000s, such as sweets, money and cigarettes in order to gain her trust.
He then engaged in sexual activity with her over a three year period.
In an impact statement, the victim wrote: “Years have passed, chapters of my life written, my face and body have changed, my family has grown."
"The wounds of my childhood still open and weep, impacting my life in so many ways. I have suffered with my mental health since the abuse started and still now, it is a constant battle.
"You took away my voice, you blurred the lines of love, stole my innocence and did it all hidden in plain sight from the world.”
Detective Inspector Donald Dallas of Norfolk Police said: “Sex abuse can have a profound and lasting impact on the victim, who often has to carry what has happened to them throughout their lives."
"I would like to thank the victim for their courage in coming forward to the police and giving us the evidence to act upon.
"No sentence can diminish the trauma suffered from these crimes, however I hope there can be some comfort in seeing justice served.”