ANDREW ROSS FROM KINGS NORTON AND FRANKLEY JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Frankley and Kings Norton, Andrew Ross, a 60-year-old man with a long-standing history of community involvement, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl. Ross, who was once celebrated as the 'King of Frankley' due to his prominent role with the Frankley Church Community Project, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court after a thorough trial that revealed disturbing details of his criminal behavior.

Ross’s reputation as a dedicated Methodist preacher and community worker was severely tarnished during the proceedings. The court heard that he had spent nearly a decade working closely with families and disadvantaged youth in Birmingham, earning respect and admiration from many. However, these positive references were ultimately deemed insufficient to mitigate the gravity of his crimes. Judge Peter Carr expressed his bewilderment that Ross’s previous conviction for sexually assaulting a young girl as a teenager was not uncovered during routine criminal record checks when he was appointed to his role in Frankley.

It was revealed that Ross had a prior conviction from over 40 years ago, which appeared to have been overlooked or not properly flagged during the vetting process. The judge emphasized that such oversights are concerning, especially given Ross’s extensive work with children and vulnerable members of the community. Despite the praise from colleagues and community members, Judge Carr stated that these endorsements are often common for individuals in such roles and do not outweigh the seriousness of the recent offenses.

The recent conviction, handed down last month, involved Ross being found guilty of five separate sex offenses. These included three counts of causing or inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault on the same young girl. All these offenses took place in May of the previous year, casting a dark shadow over Ross’s reputation and career.

During the trial, Ross’s defense attorney, James Doyle, highlighted Ross’s lifelong dedication to Methodist ministry, noting that he had retrained at the age of 34 and had no prior incidents in his religious career. Doyle described Ross as a respected community figure who had contributed significantly to Birmingham’s social fabric. He expressed regret that Ross’s life had been marred by these allegations, which he described as tragic and deeply impactful on many individuals.

In addition to his prison sentence, Ross was also subjected to a lifelong ban from working with children, a measure intended to protect vulnerable youth from potential harm. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of safeguarding children from individuals who have demonstrated a capacity for such offenses. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of thorough vetting processes and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of community leadership.