Former housing officer from Hampshire convicted of sexual assaults after police investigation

He will be sentenced on June 15 following the incidents in 2019 at Reading Crown Court

Carl Douglas Button
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 2nd May 2023
Last updated 2nd May 2023

A man from Hampshire who was working as a housing officer for a private housing association has been convicted by majority verdict of a number of sexual offences following an assault four years ago.

It's after an investigation by Thames Valley Police where he used his position as a housing officer to go into the victim's home.

47-year-old Carl Douglas Button from London Road in Waterlooville was convicted by a jury at Reading Crown Court on Friday of three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

In July 2019, Button he used his role as a housing officer to go into the home of his victim - a woman in her fifties, who was then subjected to a 'serious and sustained' sexual assault.

Button was arrested in June 2020, and following further investigation charged on 25 May 2022.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Joyce, said: “This was a truly traumatic incident leaving the victim with considerable psychological trauma.

“This was a complex investigation, and I cannot praise the bravery of the victim in this case enough as well as her commitment to supporting the case in court.

“I am pleased that Carl Button has been convicted for his horrendous crimes, which was a terrible abuse of his position of trust.

“I hope this case shows that we will continue to investigate offenders such as Button, and bring them to court to face justice.

“If you believe you have been a victim of sexual abuse, please report it.

“If you are in immediate danger please call 999, or you can report via 101 or online."

Button was acquitted of one other count of sexual assault and will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on June 15.

To find out more information or get help, visit the SARSAS website or head to the Thames Valley Police help portal.

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