ANTHONY SHENTON OF ALDENHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AT LANGLEBURY SCHOOL NEAR KINGS LANGLEY

In August 2021, Anthony Shenton, a former teacher from Aldenham, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys during his tenure at Langlebury School, located near Kings Langley. The court heard that Shenton, who was 82 years old at the time of sentencing, had a long history of abusing boys over a span of nearly two decades, from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Shenton’s victims were boys aged between 12 and 14, and his abuse took place both at his flat and during school-organized trips involving outdoor activities such as canoeing, camping, rock climbing, and mountaineering. These trips, which included visits to events like the Boat Show at London’s Earls Court and other outdoor exhibitions, were used by Shenton as opportunities to groom and manipulate his young victims.

According to court proceedings, Shenton would invite boys to his flat, initially in Abbots Road, Abbots Langley, and later at a “grace and favour” flat situated within the school grounds in a former stable block. During these visits, he would cook for the boys, watch television, and engage in conversations, all of which served as part of his grooming process. Over time, the boys would visit him regularly, and the relationship would escalate to physical abuse. Shenton would sit the boys on his lap, and the abuse would begin with touching, progressing to fondling and sexual acts. He also encouraged the boys to touch him inappropriately.

Shenton’s actions were uncovered after a series of investigations that gained momentum in 2019. Although allegations had been made as early as 1996, when one victim spoke to police, no action was taken at that time. It was only after social media posts by a former pupil in 2019, asking if anyone remembered Shenton, that more victims came forward. This led to renewed police involvement and the eventual trial.

During the trial, Shenton was found guilty of multiple charges, including four counts of indecent assault on a male, one serious sexual offense involving a young boy, and indecency with a child. He also pleaded guilty to an additional ten counts of indecent assault and five counts of indecency involving seven other boys. The offenses spanned from 1968 to 1984.

Three of the victims, now middle-aged men, attended the court to witness the sentencing, while two others viewed the proceedings via video link. One victim, now aged 60, testified that Shenton always had a “clique of boys around him” at school, highlighting the manipulative environment he created.

Judge Caroline Wiggin, presiding over the case at St Albans Crown Court, emphasized the betrayal of trust involved in Shenton’s actions. She described him as someone who personified adventure and was idolized by the boys, which he exploited for his own sick purposes. The judge stated that what Shenton did was a “gross breach of trust” and noted that his victims had suffered long-term psychological effects, including stress, anger issues, confusion about their sexuality, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts or health problems such as a mini stroke.

Judge Wiggin also pointed out that the societal attitudes of the time, particularly in the 1970s, contributed to the victims’ silence, as there was a perceived shame associated with being a victim of sexual assault. She made it clear that the blame did not lie with the victims but with Shenton’s predatory behavior.

Shenton, who resides on Church Lane in Aldenham, was sentenced to serve a minimum of half of his 15-year term before being eligible for parole. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, who have endured years of trauma and suffering in silence for decades.