Henry Renton 81

Description

An 81-year-old paedophile, Henry Renton, who posed as a kindly pensioner, was exposed and arrested for raping and abusing a young girl in Northumberland after her father used Sarah's Law to check his background.

Already serving a 15-year sentence in Scotland for multiple child rapes—with an earliest release in 2032—Renton now faces additional prison time, and his barrister says he is likely to die behind bars.

The abuse surfaced when social services prompted the father to apply under Sarah's Law, revealing Renton's prior convictions. The victim then disclosed the ordeal, which began with "accidental" groping followed by apologies and £5 payments.

Prosecutor Joe Culley said: "Things escalated from there. He plied her with alcohol and paid her money. He asked if he was too ugly for her and she describes feeling sorry and guilty. This was manipulation into sexual activity with him."

Renton was convicted of two counts of rape, two of sexual assault of a child, five of sexual activity with a child, and one of assault by penetration.

In her impact statement, the victim said: "The abuse I suffered has ruined my life. When I smell the smell of an elderly person, it reminds me of him and makes me feel sick.

"If I'm reminded of his smell or hear his voice in my head, it ruins my day. I feel sick because of what he did to me.

"No matter how much I rub and clean my skin, I can't rid myself of those memories."

She added: "I hear (Renton's) voice in my head and I struggle to sleep. When I do sleep I have nightmares involving him.

"It's damaged my mental health significantly and I've lost self-confidence. I used to be a happy girl but not now."

Defending, Lorraine Mustard said: "He is unlikely to be released from prison. He is more likely than not going to die in prison."

Judge Stephen Earl adjourned sentencing until December 19, telling Renton: "It's a realistic prospect that you will receive a lengthy prison sentence."