ALLAN CUNDICK WOKING PREACHER GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND SURREY

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Allan Cundick, a 78-year-old preacher from Woking, has been convicted of multiple sexual offences spanning several decades. The allegations against him involve the indecent assault of two young girls, aged between nine and 16, with incidents occurring over a period from 1970 to 1992. The court proceedings, held at Guildford Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse by Cundick, who was a respected figure within his church community.

One of his victims, Lina Barnes from Corby in Northamptonshire, courageously came forward to share her harrowing experience. She recounted that she was between the ages of 10 and 13 when the abuse took place. Despite her suffering, she was advised by members of her church not to report the incidents, with the church authorities allegedly urging her to remain silent. When she finally disclosed her ordeal in 2001, she was met with accusations of lying, which further silenced her for years.

It was only in 2011 that her resolve was strengthened after evangelist preacher Ian Jackson from Eastbourne, East Sussex, revealed to her that there had been another victim. This revelation prompted her to consider reporting the abuse to the police. However, Jackson reportedly tried to dissuade her from doing so, claiming he was only trying to help and acted in good faith. Despite his efforts, Ms Barnes decided to proceed with police involvement, which ultimately led to Cundick’s arrest.

During the trial, Cundick admitted to two counts of indecently assaulting two women between 1994 and 2004. However, he was found not guilty of three other counts of similar offences. The court heard that Cundick had used his position within the church to exploit his authority and trust, preying on vulnerable individuals under his spiritual guidance.

Judge Peter Moss, presiding over the case, sentenced Cundick to four and a half years in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the betrayal of trust, stating, “You were a highly respected member of a close-knit church community.”

Surrey Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Bex Smith commented on the case, describing Cundick as a “predatory sexual offender who used his position as a beacon of respectability and responsibility to abuse his victims.” She highlighted the severity of his crimes and praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward.

In addition to the convictions related to the girls’ abuse, Cundick was also convicted of two counts of indecent assault on two women, committed between 1994 and 2004. The court found him not guilty of three other similar charges. Cundick, who resides at Merrivale Gardens, Goldsworth Park, Woking, was remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on 15 January.

Further complicating the case is the 2012 controversy involving Ian Jackson, who was criticized for advising a victim not to report her abuse to the police. The victim, identified only as L, sought spiritual guidance from Jackson after suffering abuse at the hands of Cundick. Jackson’s emails revealed that he discouraged her from involving law enforcement, claiming that prosecution rarely stops offenders from reoffending. Despite her eventual decision to report the abuse, L expressed frustration and disappointment with Jackson’s lack of support, believing his actions were motivated by a desire to cover up the crimes and prevent police involvement.

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals within religious communities and highlights the long-lasting impact of abuse. The victims’ resilience in coming forward has been instrumental in bringing Cundick to justice, and the court’s sentencing aims to serve as a warning to others who might abuse positions of trust for personal gain.