CHRIS RANSOME FROM BAILDON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOY DURING CHURCH TRIP IN BRADFORD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Chris Ransome, a 64-year-old man from Baildon, was convicted of a serious sexual assault that took place over four decades ago. The incident involved a young choir boy who was only 11 years old at the time, and the offense occurred during a church outing in Bradford where Ransome was serving as a church organist and choirmaster.

According to court records, the assault happened when Ransome was 18 years old. During a moment of vulnerability, he placed his hand inside the sleeping bag of the young boy while they were lying next to each other on camp beds. This act of indecency was committed in a setting associated with church activities, adding a layer of betrayal given Ransome’s role within the religious community.

Ransome, who resides on Southdown Road in Baildon, was brought to trial at Bradford Crown Court last month. The jury found him guilty of a single charge of indecent assault, a conviction that has reopened painful memories for the victim, now a middle-aged man. The complainant revealed that he confided in his future wife about what had happened and reported the incident to church authorities in 2016, seeking justice after many years of silence.

The court was also informed that, although no additional charges were filed, Ransome had engaged in inappropriate behavior with the same boy on multiple occasions when the boy was between 12 and 14 years old. Specifically, Ransome had driven the young boy to secluded locations and committed sex acts in front of him on three or four separate occasions, further compounding the severity of his misconduct.

During the sentencing hearing held on a recent Friday, the victim provided a personal statement describing the long-lasting impact of the abuse. He explained that he had buried the memories for many years, feeling dirty and ashamed. The trauma had left him with ongoing issues related to trust and a persistent fear of being controlled or manipulated by others.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court acknowledged that Ransome had otherwise maintained an impeccable reputation. He had served as a parish organist in Wetherby for ten years and was highly regarded within his local community, which added complexity to the sentencing decision.

Ultimately, Recorder Patrick Palmer sentenced Ransome to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered him to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a rehabilitation activity program. Additionally, Ransome is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the future.