ALEXANDER THOMAS SHOCKS TAUNTON WITH SEXUAL ABUSE WHILE CLAIMING TO BE A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Taunton, Alexander Thomas, an 82-year-old man with a reputation as a devout Christian and founder of a religious house fellowship, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The crimes took place during the mid-1990s, a period during which Thomas manipulated and sexually abused two teenage victims, some 50 years his junior, exploiting their trust and innocence under the guise of religious devotion.

Thomas’s actions were characterized by a disturbing pattern of psychological manipulation. He would read passages from the Bible to his victims, falsely claiming that the sexual acts he committed were “God’s will.” He further coerced them by telling one of the girls that he “wanted to take her virginity,” a statement that underscores the predatory nature of his conduct. Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Thomas used his position of authority and trust to justify and conceal his abusive behavior, leaving lasting scars on the victims.

The court heard that Thomas’s abuse was not a one-time event but occurred on multiple occasions, during which he subjected the girls to indecent assaults. The victims, now adults, provided impact statements describing the profound and enduring effects of his crimes. They recounted feelings of betrayal, shame, and trauma that have persisted long after the abuse ended.

At Taunton Crown Court, Judge David Ticehurst delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the gravity of Thomas’s misconduct. He stated, “You claimed you were a Christian and that what you were doing was God’s will. I’m in no doubt whatsoever that you used your position of authority and trust. It’s clear that you’ve robbed these young ladies of their childhood and innocence. You should be thoroughly ashamed and disgusted at the way you treated them. I’m in no doubt you did so for your own sexual gratification.”

Thomas, who appeared in court dressed in a shirt, tie, and beige blazer, showed signs of dejection as he was led away to the cells following his sentencing. The court also imposed a sexual offences prevention order on him, which will remain in effect for five years, restricting his contact with minors and monitoring his activities to prevent further offenses.

William Hunter, prosecuting, detailed the extent of Thomas’s abuse, while Patrick Mason, defending, described Thomas as “repentant and remorseful,” acknowledging his deteriorating mental state and expressing regret for his actions. Despite this, the court’s verdict reflected the seriousness of the crimes committed by Alexander Thomas, a man who betrayed the trust placed in him by his community and his victims.