Naked pensioner lured boy with promise of Christmas gift then carried out sex attack.

86-Year-Old Man Found Guilty of Sexual Activity with a Child

William Shotton, 86, of Berwick, was found guilty of sexual activity with a child following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court. The court heard that Shotton had lured a teenage boy into his home with the promise of a Christmas gift and then subjected him to a sex attack.

The victim, who was under 16, saw a note on Shotton's door suggesting he had a Christmas card and cash. He was invited inside where Shotton, who was completely naked, sexually touched the boy over his clothing.

The boy was able to escape and reported the incident to the police. In a victim impact statement, he said he felt shocked, ashamed, and embarrassed by the incident.

"On the day it happened, I remember feeling so shocked it was almost as if I couldn't quite believe what had just happened," the boy said. "I felt ashamed and embarrassed, especially when I had to tell my parents. It was the first time since I was a small child I really cried. I felt I had let my parents down by being in that position."

Shotton was sentenced to six months suspended for two years with a four-month curfew. He was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender, both for seven years.

Judge Paul Sloan QC said in his sentencing remarks: "There was a degree of planning, you having lured him into your home, placing him in an extremely vulnerable situation."

Mark Styles, defending Shotton, said his client continues to deny the offence and that "it would be a crushing blow to send a man of his age and infirmity into a custodial environment."