GORDON HOLIDAY AND MARK CRASTER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN EGMONT AND PRESTON ON STOUR

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Egremont and Preston on Stour, three men have been convicted and sentenced for sexually abusing a young girl over a span of two decades. The incidents, which remained undisclosed for many years, only came to light recently when the victim finally reported the abuse to authorities, revealing a long history of trauma inflicted by those she trusted.

Mark Craster, also known as Mark Craster-Chambers, aged 54 and residing in Preston on Stour near Stratford-upon-Avon, was found guilty of engaging in sexual acts with the girl while he was in a position of trust. The court heard that Craster had kissed and engaged in sexual activities with the girl when she was just 16 years old. His actions, committed during his time as a teacher, have been described as a gross breach of professional conduct and trust.

The other two men involved in the case are Gordon Holliday, aged 60, of Howbank Road, Egremont, and Carl Morgan Donnelly, aged 63, of The Ferns, Egremont. Holliday was convicted of a single count of indecent assault, while Donnelly faced three charges of indecent assault. The court established that Holliday had sexually abused the girl when she was only 13 years old, and Donnelly's assaults also occurred during the same period.

The victim, who attended the sentencing hearing, delivered a heartfelt statement read aloud by a detective. She expressed how her life has been profoundly affected by the actions of these men, stating, “My whole life has been tainted by their actions.” She further explained that she felt robbed of her childhood, her education, and her potential future due to the abuse.

Addressing Craster directly, she added, “He was my teacher; he should have known better. Because of him, I have spent my entire life anxious around people in positions of trust like doctors, therapists, and even in job interviews. I hope he never gets to look after vulnerable children again.”

In sentencing, Recorder Richard Archer imposed prison terms of six years for Donnelly, 42 months for Holliday, and 18 months for Craster. The court emphasized that Craster, who rose to the position of deputy head during his 26-year career in teaching before leaving the profession in 2016, was fully aware of the law and the importance of maintaining trust. The judge stated, “You knew full well, in light of the high professional regard in which you were otherwise held, what the law was and why it existed. You broke that law and broke her trust.”

All three men are now required to register as sex offenders and will be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults in the future, ensuring that they cannot pose a threat to others again. The case has highlighted the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by those in positions of authority and trust.