Description
A man who groomed and lured an underage girl to a hotel in Doncaster to have sex with her has been jailed.
Martin Norton, 32, of no fixed address has been sentenced for the abhorrent crimes he committed during 2025.
In November 2025, Norton was arrested in a hotel room after officers responded to reports and concerns he had enticed a young girl and was taking her to hotels to engage in sex.
As an investigation progressed, through interviews and evidence, officers found how Norton had begun talking to the girl on social media, and took their conversations further, asking her for provocative images, and eventually grooming her into believing he was her boyfriend.
After progressing their online relationship, Norton arranged to meet the girl, who explained to officers he had made her have sex on their first meeting.
As the weeks progressed, Norton continued to travel from Newcastle to Doncaster and manipulate the girl, buying her gifts, and food while out. He continued to book hotel rooms and forced her to commit sexual acts in public.
The victim, who has showed incredible courage and bravery throughout the investigation and court process explained in her victim impact statement how Norton has impacted all aspects of her life, leaving her afraid to go out alone, and not trusting anyone; her bravery is commendable.
The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Lauren Harris said:
“I hope Norton's sentencing brings closure to the young girl who has been at the heart of our investigation.
“No one should have their childhood stripped and taken from them because of someone’s pervert actions.
“I want to commend the bravery that the young girl has showed throughout this investigation, her immense courage has ensured Norton will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.
“I also hope it sends a strong message to anyone who is a victim of any sexual offence, abusive, coercive behaviour; we will listen to you, we will support you and we will carry out a thorough investigation.”
Norton appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last week (29 September) and was jailed to nine years in prison, a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, placed on the sex offenders register for life and given a 25-year retraining order against the victim.
Victims of sexual offences are granted lifelong anonymity.