News and Knowledge

Former Teacher David Pickthall, 66 jailed after 40 years of abuse

A former teacher and choir master David Pickthall has been jailed for 12 years after abusing or filming 19 men, over a period of 40 years.    Pickthall, 66 of Cheveley Park, Cheveley had previously admitted 29 offences – 16 counts of indecent assault, 10 counts of voyeurism, and three counts of making an indecent…

Teacher struck off after kissing private school student in night club

A trainee teacher has been banned from the profession after he was seen kissing a private school pupil in a nightclub after the annual summer ball.   Jack Valentine had been acting as a chaperone at the annual event at Taunton School in Somerset, on 30 June 2022, when celebrations moved on to a nightclub…

Thurrock Yacht Club coach convicted of child sexual abuse

An Essex man in his 60s has been convicted of sexually abusing a child.   John Darby, 66, of Thames Road, Grays, Essex, was found guilty of 14 sexual offences at Basildon Crown Court on Friday. Essex Police revealed that Darby began abusing his victim when she was just eight years old, during his time…

Thurrock Yacht Club coach convicted of child sexual abuse

An Essex man in his 60s has been convicted of sexually abusing a child.   John Darby, 66, of Thames Road, Grays, Essex, was found guilty of 14 sexual offences at Basildon Crown Court on Friday. Essex Police revealed that Darby began abusing his victim when she was just eight years old, during his time…

Church of England Abuse: Blackburn Cathedral priest posed ‘significant risk’ to children

Concerns have been raised after it was found that a Church of England priest was paid off after being assessed as a ‘potential risk to children and young people’.   According to a BBC investigation, Canon Andrew Hindley, who worked in the Blackburn diocese from 1991 to 2021 – was subject to five police investigations,…

Strictly Come Dancing: Investigation into BBC show after abuse allegations

As celebrities head into training for this year’s BBC Strictly Come Dancing series this week, we look at the recent abuse allegations that some former contestants have said about their time on the show.   In recent months, the star-studded BBC programme has been thrown into turmoil after multiple abuse allegations against their professional dance…

Historic Abuse: 28 Sexual Predators Jailed in West Yorkshire

Twenty eight sexual predators who preyed on vulnerable females in Kirklees have been given jail sentences totalling almost 400 years.   A further two men were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on July 31 as part of Kirklees Police’s long running Operation Tourway investigation into non recent sexual abuse.     Ebrahim Pandor and Amjad…

Wings Cumbria – Boarding school shut down after abuse allegations against vulnerable pupils

A boarding school in Cumbria has been closed down after claims that staff physically abused vulnerable children in their care.   Wings School, in Milnthorpe was a specialist education facility, aimed at providing a ‘nurturing environment’ for up to 50 children and young people living with social, emotional and mental health problems, autism and specific…

Eastwood Park: Compensation scheme announced for abuse victims

Eastwood Park Detention Centre detainees who suffered physical abuse from members of staff will be able to claim compensation for physical abuse and in some cases psychological injuries, the Ministry of Justice announced earlier this month.   Eastwood Park Detention Centre, in Falfield, South Gloucestershire originally opened in 1964 to house up to 95 boys,…

Roundhay teacher struck off after sexual messages with a minor

A music tutor has been banned from teaching after attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.   Mr. Levin, who worked at Roundhay Music has been struck off the teaching register after it was found that he was intentionally attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.     He was convicted…