BRACKLEY MAN CHRISTOPHER SAYER CONVICTED OF HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST BOYS IN READING

In a case that has spanned decades and brought to light disturbing allegations, Christopher Sayer, a resident of Brackley, was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault against two young boys. The offences, which occurred between 1994 and 1998, involved two boys aged 10 and 13 at the time, and the case was brought to court after a lengthy investigation.

According to court proceedings, Sayer was involved in running a theatre group in Three Mile Cross during the mid-1990s. It was through this group that he met the two boys, establishing a seemingly friendly relationship that initially appeared innocent. However, as the court heard, Sayer’s interactions with the boys took a dark turn. After gaining their trust, he invited them to his home, where he engaged in inappropriate conduct. The court detailed how Sayer would share baths and sleep in the same bed with the boys, actions that crossed the boundaries of acceptable behavior.

Judge Angela Morris presided over the case and addressed the court, stating, “Through the theatre group you befriended these boys and it was a friendship that clearly on one level was enjoyed not just by you but by them as well in the early stages. But what is very clear is that it went too far and, in short, you abused your position of trust in order to sexually abuse them.”

On September 11, at Reading Crown Court, Sayer was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault against a boy under 16. He was acquitted of one additional charge of indecent assault. The court heard that Sayer admitted to the abuse during an interview with Northamptonshire Police in 2012, which was initially unrelated to the case. Following his confession, the case was transferred to Thames Valley Police, who subsequently contacted the victims. Their testimonies confirmed the allegations, providing crucial evidence for the conviction.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Sayer himself had been a victim of sexual abuse as a child, having suffered at the hands of a family friend. Judge Morris acknowledged this history, stating, “It is a documented fact that you were the victim of sexual abuse yourself and that you had to relive your ordeal to give your statement. But as a result of the sexual abuse purported on you over a period of time you must have been only too familiar and appreciative of the emotional and physical effects that sexual abuse would have on others.”

As part of his sentencing, Sayer was handed a prison term of two years for each of the seven counts, to be served concurrently. Additionally, he was placed on the sexual offenders register for ten years and issued a five-year sexual offence prevention order. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the lasting impact on the victims and their families.

Detective Constable Victoria Hunt from Thames Valley Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit expressed her support for the victims, saying, “I would like to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward and giving evidence against Sayer to enable his conviction. The emotional impact upon the victims and their families has been significant and I hope the conviction goes some way to providing them with a resolution.”

Following his conviction, Sayer was released on conditional bail and is scheduled to return to court on October 27 for sentencing. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse, regardless of the passage of time.