MANS HORRIFIC ABUSE: CHURCH CHOIR BOYS VICTIMS SPEAK OUT
Update 01/05/2026: On 14 January 2025, Mr David Crowther was remanded to HMP Leeds for indecent assault.He died from sepsis of an unknown cause on 31 January 2025 ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
In a disturbing case that spans decades, David Crowther, a man with a troubling history of sexual misconduct, was finally brought to justice for abusing two young boys who were members of a church choir in Leeds.
The abuse, which occurred in the 1980s, only came to light more than thirty years later, highlighting the long-lasting impact of his predatory actions.
Crowther, who hails from Huddersfield, was in his forties at the time he committed these heinous acts.
His victims, aged 13 and 14, were part of the choir at St Luke's Church located on Malvern Road in the Beeston area of Leeds.
The abuse was not an isolated incident; Crowther had a known history of misconduct, having previously been convicted of five indecent assaults on children between 1973 and 1975 while working as a primary school teacher in Leeds.
According to court records, Crowther used grooming tactics to manipulate the young boys.
He would take them on outings, buy them gifts, and foster a sense of trust and friendship.
These gestures were part of his grooming process, which ultimately led to sexual abuse.
He would pick up the boys and take them to choir practice, establishing a relationship that made it easier for him to carry out his crimes.
The victims, after enduring years of silence, finally decided to report the abuse to the police in 2016.
Their courage prompted an investigation by the Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, which uncovered a series of disturbing allegations.
The investigation revealed that Crowther had committed a total of eleven indecent assaults against the two boys.
During his court appearance at Leeds Crown Court, Crowther pleaded guilty to all charges.
His admission of guilt led to a sentence of three years and seven months in prison.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the severity of the crimes but also due to Crowther’s involvement in various youth activities, including coaching young people in sports, which raises concerns about safeguarding in community programs.
Crowther’s case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for institutions to protect children from predators, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
His history and recent convictions serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child abuse and the importance of supporting victims in coming forward.
