BARRY ELLISTON SHAMES BARNET, HENDON, AND NORTH FINCHLEY IN SHOCKING REVELATION

In a development that has reignited painful memories within the communities of Barnet, Hendon, and North Finchley, the name of Barry Elliston has once again come into the public eye through a controversial campaign by a national newspaper. The campaign aimed to publicly identify individuals convicted of child sex offenses, and in doing so, it has stirred a wave of distress among residents and former colleagues alike.

Barry Elliston, a name that has long been associated with a dark chapter in the local history, was prominently featured in the Sunday edition of the News of the World. This appearance comes fourteen years after he served time in prison for crimes involving the sexual assault of teenage boys within the borough. The decision to publish his name has sparked a heated debate about privacy, justice, and the public’s right to know.

Elliston’s criminal history dates back to the mid-1980s, when he was arrested in January 1986. At that time, he was serving as the headteacher of Hendon School, located on Golders Rise in Hendon. His arrest led to his immediate resignation from the position, marking a significant and scandalous turn in his career. Prior to his tenure at Hendon School, Elliston had spent a decade running Finchley Manorhill in North Finchley, a school now known as The Compton. His tenure at Finchley Manorhill was marred by the charges that eventually led to his conviction.

Elliston was convicted after pleading guilty to nine counts of indecent assault against former pupils. The assaults spanned over a period of seven years, during which he exploited his position of authority to commit these heinous acts. His sentencing resulted in a five-year prison term, a punishment that he served before being released and attempting to rebuild his life.

Despite the passage of time, the controversy surrounding Elliston’s past continues to evoke strong reactions. Peter Southwell, a retired teacher who previously worked at Finchley Manorhill, expressed his disapproval of the newspaper’s decision to publicly name Elliston. Southwell stated, “It’s all water under the bridge. The poor chap has done his time. We’re all good Christians, aren’t we?” He further reflected on the emotional toll the revelations had on the community, saying, “We were all very upset at the time. It was absolutely shattering. We spent a lot of time looking back and saying we should’ve known.”

As of the latest reports, Barry Elliston is believed to be residing in Hertfordshire. However, he has not been available for comment regarding the recent publicity or the ongoing discussions about his past actions. The case remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of such crimes on victims and communities alike.