Teenage victim’s bravery helps detectives secure 10-year prison sentence for Nottinghamshire rapist Justin Burton

A rapist who abused a vulnerable teenager has been jailed for ten years — with detectives praising the victim’s bravery.

An investigation was launched against 48-year-old Justin Burton after police became aware of the abuse which took place in Nottinghamshire in June of this year.

Officers were quickly able to identify Burton as the person responsible and arrest him the day after the incident, thanks to the victim showing the immense courage needed to come forward to the police and share what happened.

Burton, of no fixed address, denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against him, with a trial taking place earlier this month as a result.

The testimony provided by the victim provided the police with evidence needed to convince the jury to find Burton guilty of both offences on Wednesday, December 11.

He returned to Nottingham Crown Court to be sentenced on Thursday (December 19), where he was told he will spend the next ten years in prison, and his name will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Harry Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim has shown incredible strength since their ordeal and played a central role in helping put Burton in prison for his despicable crimes.

“While I know nothing will ever make up for what happened, I sincerely hope that the fact Burton will now spend a lengthy period behind bars will provide both them and their family with some small degree of comfort.”