Mark Burton

Mark Burton, a former councillor for Darlington Borough Council, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of child sex offences committed against a boy. The offences, which took place prior to 2011, involved sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Burton, who was once the chair of the council’s Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdicts at Durham Crown Court in January.

The court heard that these latest offences came to light following a recent complaint from the victim, now an adult. Prosecutor Daniel Ingham stated that the victim had told police the abuse left him 'absolutely f***ed up' and contributed to his cannabis misuse. Despite the severity of the impact, the victim chose not to provide an impact statement to the court.

Burton had a prior conviction in 2012 for sexually assaulting a girl and possessing indecent images of children, for which he received 22 months' imprisonment. That earlier case resulted in an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and registration as a sex offender for ten years. Judge Nathan Adams noted that the new offences were 'similar in nature' to the 2011 crimes but involved a different victim, and had they been dealt with together, consecutive sentences would have been imposed.

In mitigation, defence barrister Ian West argued that the offences occurred in 'batches' over a relatively short period and that Burton had stayed out of trouble since his 2012 release. However, the judge highlighted Burton's continued denials, lack of remorse, and absence of empathy for his victim. Adams imposed the 12-year custodial sentence, requiring Burton to serve at least two-thirds (eight years) before potential release on licence. The indefinite SHPO remains in place, and Burton is now subject to lifelong registration as a sex offender.

Following his 2012 conviction, Burton was barred from serving as a councillor. At the time of sentencing, he resided in Langley Moor, near Durham. The case was reported by The Northern Echo, with images provided by Durham Constabulary.