COLIN YORK REIGATE AND WICKHAM CHILD ABUSER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES

In a case that has spanned over four decades, Colin York, a former assistant housemaster at the prestigious Royal Alexandra & Albert School in Reigate, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of serious sexual offences committed against young boys during the 1970s. The court proceedings, held at Guildford Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about York's abuse of his position of trust and authority.

York, aged 62 and residing on Hoades Hill in Wickham, Hampshire, was sentenced to 18 months in prison last Thursday, May 2. The jury found him guilty of five counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. These convictions stem from allegations made by two men who, as boys, endured sexual abuse at the hands of York while they were students at the school.

During the trial, prosecutors detailed how York exploited his role as an assistant housemaster, a position that involved supervising boys during nighttime hours and attending to their pastoral needs. His responsibilities included being on call during the night to assist pupils in their dormitories, a duty that he used to carry out inappropriately. The court heard that York, who has worked as an occupational therapist since resigning from the school over 40 years ago, had previously been convicted in 2011 for similar offences involving two other boys at the same institution. In that case, he was sentenced to 28 months after being found guilty of 10 counts of gross indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.

Prosecutor Christopher Hehir emphasized the credibility of the victims, stating, “Both men clearly remember what was done to them by Colin York. It is no exaggeration to say that it has haunted them ever since.” He further explained that the two new complainants, referred to as Complainant A and Complainant B, provided separate accounts of their abuse, which the jury believed. The court was told that the allegations included inappropriate touching, forcing the victims to touch York, and in one case, York performing a sex act on a boy.

York’s denial of the allegations was noted during police interviews, where he claimed the accusations never happened but could not explain why the victims would fabricate such stories. The court's findings, supported by previous convictions, reinforced the credibility of the victims’ testimonies.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Trudie Harrison from the East Surrey Public Protection Unit expressed her thoughts, stating, “York was a respected member of society who abused the trust people placed in him. I hope this sentence sends out a clear message to people like him that no matter how old the allegation is, we will carry out a thorough investigation in an attempt to bring offenders to justice. I would like to praise the two victims for the bravery they have shown throughout the investigation and court case. Although this sentence will never undo the damage York caused, it will ensure he is kept away from children for some time.”

Earlier, in September 2011, York was also sentenced for similar offences committed decades earlier. At that time, he was 61 years old and received a prison term of two years and four months after being convicted of 10 counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault. The offences took place between 1970 and 1972, involving two boys aged between 10 and 13, when York was serving as an assistant housemaster at the same school in Reigate. He was acquitted of two additional charges of indecency with a child.

Detective Harrison highlighted the importance of these convictions, stating, “I hope this successful conviction and sentence sends a clear message that we will always conduct a full and thorough investigation into allegations of sexual abuse no matter how long ago the offence occurred. By pleading not guilty, York forced his victims to attend court and give evidence against him, and I am full of praise for the courage and dignity they have shown throughout the process. York was in a position of trust when these offences were committed. This sentence will ensure he is not in a position to work with children again.”