GARY ROLINSON, THE PREDATORY DRIVING INSTRUCTOR FROM KINGSWINFORD AND LLANDRINDOD WELLS, JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE

In May 2016, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving a driving instructor from the West Midlands came to light, culminating in his conviction and subsequent imprisonment. Gary Rolinson, a 60-year-old man who previously operated a driving school in Kingswinford, was found guilty of heinous crimes committed over a span of two years against six young boys during their driving lessons.

The allegations detailed a pattern of predatory behavior, with one victim recounting how Rolinson would inappropriately touch him under the guise of congratulating him for good driving. The victim explained that Rolinson would rub his legs as a form of praise or, alternatively, would squeeze certain parts of his body whenever he believed the boy had made a mistake. These actions created a climate of fear and confusion for the young victims, who were under his instruction at the time.

It was revealed that Rolinson, who at the time was running the '500+ Driving School' in Kingswinford, exploited his position of authority and trust to carry out these sexual assaults. The abuse was alleged to have taken place over a period of two years, during which the victims felt unable to report the incidents due to intimidation and manipulation.

Following a thorough trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Rolinson was convicted on 12 counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity. The court sentenced him to four years in prison. The West Midlands Police described Rolinson as a “predatory offender,” emphasizing that he had told the boys that they would not be believed if they reported his misconduct.

One of the victims shared his distress, stating, “To congratulate you for doing something right, say checking a blind spot before pulling off, he would move his hands over and start to rub your leg. If you did something wrong he’d squeeze certain parts of your body.” The emotional toll of the abuse and the lengthy legal process was also highlighted, with the victim adding, “It’s been such a lengthy process. The amount of stress that’s been put on me and my family has been unreal.”

In the aftermath of the sentencing, Detective Inspector Sarah Booth commented on the impact of the case, noting that some victims felt embarrassed and hesitant to disclose the abuse to their parents, fearing they would be upset because their parents had arranged for Rolinson to be their driving instructor. As part of his sentence, Rolinson is required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and compliance with legal restrictions.