ADRIAN MALTON FROM COLCHESTER AND DUNMOW SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Colchester and Dunmow, Adrian Malton, aged 49, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences and possession of indecent images of children. The offences stem from incidents that occurred approximately two decades ago, during which Malton was employed as a teacher at Holmwood House School, located on Chitts Hill in Colchester.

Malton, who resided on Harris Green in Dunmow at the time of his sentencing, was found guilty of multiple charges, including four counts of indecent assault and five counts of making indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Malton’s misconduct was not limited to a single incident but spanned over an 18-month period, during which he targeted a young male pupil.

According to the court, Malton, who was responsible for teaching Latin and supervising various extracurricular activities, exploited his position of trust. The victim, who is now 30 years old, was only 17 when he attempted to take his own life by jumping out of a window, an act that resulted in a broken cheekbone. The judge, Charles Gratwicke, condemned Malton’s actions, stating, “You treated him as a star pupil and the offences occurred in circumstances where you groomed him. In so doing, you grossly abused the trust shown to you by those employing you, his parents, and him. Your behaviour must have caused disturbance to him.”

Prosecutor Stephanie Farrimond detailed how Malton would invite the boy into his room at the school and lie on his bed, engaging in grooming behaviors. Malton also visited the boy’s room on other occasions, leading to the sexual offences. The victim did not disclose the abuse until he was 16 and attending a different school, choosing not to involve the police at that time. A year later, the victim’s mental health deteriorated to the point where he attempted suicide.

The investigation into Malton’s conduct was initiated in 2007, prompted by allegations involving other boys. During the police inquiry, Malton’s computer was seized, revealing a collection of indecent images. The images included 20 at the lowest level of severity, 11 at a more serious level, and one at the highest level of severity. Despite the gravity of these findings, Malton resigned from Holmwood House School in 1995, prior to any criminal prosecution.

Malton’s defense attorney, Clare Ashcroft, argued that her client was “highly educated” but could not recall specific details of the incidents from many years ago. She also highlighted that Malton had himself been a victim of abuse by a teacher in his youth and expressed hope that he could work towards rebuilding his life after serving his sentence.

Judge Gratwicke emphasized the seriousness of the offences, condemning Malton’s breach of trust and the lasting impact on his victim. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures within educational institutions and the devastating consequences when those entrusted with children’s welfare abuse their positions.