Man who abused teenager jailed for 10 years

Jonathan Burton was convicted in January

A man has been jailed for a decade after abusing a vulnerable teenage boy.

Jonathan Burton, 39, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of 10 charges of sexual activity with a child.

The Middlesbrough man's crimes were uncovered after allegations were reported to Cleveland Police in 2019.

Det Con Mel Phelps said: "I hope this result brings a degree of comfort for the victim as they continue to rebuild their life."

She added: "We will deal with anyone who abuses vulnerable children and young people, and support is always available throughout any investigation and subsequent trial."

Det Con Phelps is part of the force's Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults (CAVA) team, which supported the boy and his family throughout the trial.

The team is now urging anyone who has experienced recent or historic abuse, or who has concerns about someone they suspect has been affected, to seek support.

CAVA Det Ch Insp Matt Murphy-King said: "My officers will investigate thoroughly all allegations - recent or non-recent - in a professional and sensitive manner and they’ll always place the victim’s wellbeing at their heart of their enquiries.”