COLIN STRATTON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN SWINDON AND SHRIVENHAM: PAEDOPHILE KARATE TEACHER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In February 2021, Colin Stratton, a former martial arts instructor from Swindon, was sentenced to a 21-month prison term after being convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and indecency involving young boys. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing history of abuse spanning several decades, with Stratton’s crimes taking place in both Swindon and Shrivenham.

Stratton, aged 62 at the time of sentencing, appeared in Oxford Crown Court dressed in a striped polo shirt and a grey jumper. He had previously admitted to nine counts of indecent assault and gross indecency committed between 1984 and 1992, involving two boys whose identities are protected by law. The court heard how one of the victims was assaulted in a layby while on his way to karate classes in Shrivenham, with Stratton residing on High Street, Swindon.

Prosecutor Simon Foster detailed how the young victim was touched over his clothing during the incident, which took place in a secluded area. The victim, who was a child at the time, was described as frightened and was instructed by Stratton not to tell his mother. During the court hearing, a statement from the victim was read aloud, in which he expressed the lasting trauma caused by the abuse, stating, “Even when I have a flashback, it feels like I’m being abused all over again.”

Stratton’s criminal record is extensive, including previous convictions for indecent assault in the karate changing rooms, possession of indecent images, child rape, and attempted rape. His past convictions include an eight-year sentence handed down in 2014 for sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy over a period of six and a half years, until the victim reached 17. Additionally, he was convicted in 1997 for the rape of a boy under 16, attempted rape, and indecent assault, resulting in a six-year prison sentence.

During the 2014 sentencing, Stratton was described as a significant risk to the public, especially given his history of abusing young boys. The court also noted that he had served time previously for similar offenses, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior. His latest conviction involved multiple counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child, committed between September 1989 and March 1996. Stratton pleaded guilty to these charges, which further underscored his long-standing pattern of sexual misconduct.

In mitigation, Stratton’s defense argued that he should receive the minimum possible sentence due to his role as the primary caregiver for his terminally ill father. However, Judge Ian Pringle QC was unequivocal in his judgment, stating, “To assault him you would pick him up to drive him to classes, which he enjoyed. What he didn’t enjoy was what you did to him on at least three occasions in your car.” The judge sentenced Stratton to 21 months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses and the lasting harm inflicted on his victims.

These revelations about Stratton’s criminal history and recent convictions have cast a dark shadow over his reputation as a martial arts instructor. His crimes have left a trail of trauma and suffering among his victims, some of whom have struggled with self-harm and emotional distress for years. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding within community sports and youth activities, especially when individuals with a history of abuse are involved.