Torquay man jailed for sexual abuse of a child
Christopher De Burton, 67, of Thurlow Road, Torquay, has been sentenced at Exeter Crown Court today
Last updated 24th Jan 2025
A Torquay man has been jailed for 19 years, plus three years to be served on extended licence, after being convicted by a jury of a catalogue of non-recent sexual offences committed against a young girl.
Christopher De Burton, 67, of Thurlow Road, Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court today (Friday 24 January) after being convicted at trial of indecency with a child, three rapes of a child under 13, eight sexual assaults of a child under 13 and twice causing a child to watch a sexual act.
Devon and Cornwall Police says De Burton is an existing sex offender after previously being convicted of offences against two other victims.
During the trial, the court heard how De Burton raped and abused the girl on a number of occasions from a young age, at a variety of locations across Devon. De Burton also showed the girl and her friend pornography.
The court heard how the abuse finally stopped when the victim was 12.
De Burton denied all the allegations against him, saying they were made up, but a jury dismissed his version of events.
Officers in the case, Detective Sergeant John Friskey said: “Christopher De Burton is a dangerous sexual offender who has now been convicted of the rape and sexual abuse of another young girl.
“I would like to thank the victims in this case for their immense strength and courage and helping to ensure that De Burton is now serving another sentence behind bars.
“We will continue to thoroughly investigate all sexual offences reported to us, regardless of when the abuse took place.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, police are encouraging you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Advice and support is also offered by police partner agencies:
• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
Victim care
Police are reminding the public that if you have been affected by crime, please visit Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (victimcare-dc.org) to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.