December 2012

Pervert’s appeal is quashed by judge

A Navy veteran who was jailed for 15 years for sordid sex attacks on a little boy has had an appeal against his convictions rejected by senior judges. Michael Thomas Hilton, 43, was convicted at Derby Crown Court in September last year for rape, sexual activity with a child and having indecent images of children.

Hilton, formerly of Glen Road, Matlock, continues to deny the offences and took his case to the Court of Appeal in a bid to clear his name. After considering the judgment, Lord Justice Christopher Pitchford dismissed the appeal. However, the judge, who heard the appeal with Mrs Justice Dobbs and Judge Francis Gilbert QC, slashed Hilton’s 15–year sentence to 13 years.

September 2011

Pervert beaten up by inmates faces up to 15 years in prison

A PAEDOPHILE was hospitalised after being attacked in prison by fellow inmates, a court heard.

Former Royal Navy sailor Michael Hilton was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in July.

At his sentencing at Derby Crown Court yesterday, defence barrister Jonathan Goldberg said Hilton was “seriously assaulted” while on remand in prison.

He said: “Prison time for this man is an impossibly hard time. He was viciously assaulted by four other inmates who no doubt found themselves attacking what is known as a ‘nonce’ in the prison culture. He was in hospital because of this.”

Judge John Burgess sentenced Hilton to 15 years for committing a serious sexual offence, five years for sexual activity with a child and nine months for making and possessing indecent images.

These will run concurrently, giving a total term of 15 years, of which half will be spent in custody and the rest on licence.

A jury convicted Hilton of the offences – committed between September 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

It was during this trial that a young boy bravely gave evidence in court to help convict the 42-year-old, of Glen Road, Whatstandwell.

The youngster, speaking on a live video link from a separate room at Derby Crown Court, said it was “not a lie or a fib” when asked if Hilton had “done anything” to his private parts.

Hilton was arrested on April 30 last year, when officers discovered indecent images and videos of boys and girls on his computer.

Mr Goldberg, in mitigation, said Hilton had served three years in the Royal Navy, where he worked on a nuclear submarine and was awarded his Dolphins badge – the equivalent to RAF Wings.

He said: “The incidents of which he was convicted for happened at a very low time in his life. This was a man who was totally unhappy with his home and his life.”

Judge Burgess told Hilton he did not think an indefinite sentence was necessary as Hilton had no other convictions and was previously of good character but he added: “These charges show you have a sexual interest in children. I accept time spent in custody will be hard but not withstanding that, these are offences for which you must be punished.”

He also banned Hilton from working or living in a household with children under 16 and taking a photograph of a child under 16. Hilton was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register.