GCHQ IT Boffin Jailed for Historical Sex Offences

A former IT specialist at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham, Robert Orton, 65, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of historical sex offences.

Orton, of Longlevens, had denied eight sex offences but was found guilty of five by a jury at Gloucester Crown Court in December. The convictions involved indecent assault against boys aged 12 and 13, with the offences taking place between 1997 and 2003.

Orton was acquitted of one charge and the jury was unable to reach verdicts on two others. The investigation began after Orton was arrested for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old boy on a bus in 2016.

Prosecutor Christopher Smyth told the jury during the trial that Orton had a "sexual interest in grooming boys aged 12 upwards".

In mitigation, Matthew Harbinson, defending Orton, acknowledged his client's "unusual character" and "socially awkward" nature, highlighting his "isolated existence" as a gay man in a time when societal attitudes were different.

Recorder Christopher Quinlan QC, in sentencing Orton, emphasized the need for immediate custody due to the lack of remorse and the continued denial of the offences. He also imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, restricting Orton's internet use and prohibiting him from working with children.

Det Con Gavin Davis of Gloucestershire Police highlighted the lasting impact of Orton's actions on his victims, emphasizing their courage in coming forward. He expressed hope that this case would encourage others to report similar incidents, regardless of the time elapsed.

Gloucestershire Police reiterated their commitment to taking such allegations seriously and offering support to victims of abuse.