GILLINGHAM SPIRITUAL HEALER COLIN FOOKS SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Gillingham, elderly spiritual healer Colin Fooks has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of a series of child sex offences spanning over two decades. The court heard harrowing details of the abuse inflicted upon three young victims, some of which date back as far as 1993, revealing a long history of predatory behavior.

Colin Fooks, aged 77 at the time of sentencing, was accused of multiple serious offences, including 10 counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of sexual assault, and one count of sexual activity with a child. Despite denying all charges, Fooks was convicted on the majority of them after a jury found the evidence presented by the prosecution compelling.

The court was told that Fooks, who resided on Canterbury Street in Gillingham, and his wife Maureen, were known for their practice of spiritual healing. The prosecution, led by Mr. Valder, described how Fooks used his hands during healing sessions, while his wife employed crystals as part of their spiritual rituals. However, beneath this facade of healing, a pattern of abuse was uncovered, involving inappropriate touching and coercive sexual acts directed at vulnerable children.

One of the victims, a girl, was so overwhelmed during her testimony that she collapsed in court. Her emotional distress was described by the judge as “a pretty dramatic moment,” highlighting the profound impact of Fooks’ actions. The girl later confided that she felt scared during the abuse but, due to her young age, did not understand that what was happening was wrong. She recounted that Fooks had put his mouth on her breasts, claiming it would “help to make them grow,” an act that added to the trauma she endured.

Another young boy revealed that he was abused while in public toilets, a disturbing detail that underscored the public nature of some of the offences. Additionally, a girl reported that Fooks would tickle her before molesting her, further illustrating the manipulative tactics he employed to gain control over his victims. Fooks maintained that his spiritual healing involved touching the front and back of individuals, a claim he used to justify his actions, but the court found this explanation unconvincing in light of the evidence.

Prosecutor Paul Valder emphasized the significant and lasting harm caused to the victims, stating that the abuse had “really bad impact” and that the effects of Fooks’ actions would likely be felt for a lifetime. The judge, Jeremy Carey, addressed Fooks directly during sentencing, condemning his denial of guilt and noting that such denial is “all too typical of sex offenders.” The judge pointed out that Fooks had indulged his sexual predilections at will and that his actions had caused widespread and permanent damage to the victims.

Judge Carey also commented on the personal toll of the case, mentioning Fooks’ wife, Maureen, who was described as being “bereft” and in disbelief that her husband could be capable of such acts. Fooks’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct post-release.

In a related hearing in June 2014, Fooks, then aged 76, faced similar charges and was also convicted of multiple offences. The court detailed how some of the abuse occurred as far back as 1993, with Fooks and his wife practicing spiritual healing in Gillingham. The prosecution highlighted that Fooks used his hands during healing sessions, while his wife used crystals, but these sessions concealed a pattern of sexual misconduct. Fooks denied all allegations at the time and was released on bail until July 4 for medical reports, awaiting further proceedings.

The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Gillingham, with many now questioning the true nature of the spiritual healing practices that Fooks and his wife claimed to offer. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals masquerading as healers or spiritual guides.