GORDON RIDEOUT'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL IN CRAWLEY AND SUSSEX

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Crawley, Hampshire, and Sussex, convicted paedophile vicar Gordon Rideout has recently faced a rejection of his plea for early release from prison on compassionate grounds. Despite his ongoing incarceration, Rideout, who was sentenced to a decade behind bars, had sought an early exit, claiming medical or personal reasons that warranted leniency. However, the Ministry of Justice, along with the probation service, swiftly dismissed his application, a decision that has been met with relief and a sense of justice by his victims and their families.

Gordon Rideout, a former assistant curate of St. Mary’s Church in Southgate, Crawley, was convicted in May 2013 of a total of 36 serious charges related to the sexual abuse of children. His crimes spanned over a decade, from 1962 to 1973, during which he exploited his trusted position within the church and community to commit heinous acts. His victims ranged from young children as young as five years old, many of whom suffered in silence for years before finally coming forward to testify against him.

The majority of Rideout’s offences took place at Ifield Hall, a children’s home in Crawley that has since been demolished. During his tenure as an assistant curate, Rideout frequently visited the home, where he carried out 34 indecent assaults and attempted to rape two young girls. His predatory behavior extended beyond Sussex, with four charges of indecent assault on two girls at the Middle Wallop army base in Hampshire, where he served as a padre at St Michael’s Church.

One of the victims, reflecting on the ordeal, expressed her anguish and accused Rideout of attempting to manipulate the justice system with his application for early release. Another victim voiced his utter disgust and disbelief that Rideout would even consider seeking freedom after the suffering he inflicted. “Did this man ever show any compassion for his young victims — did he ever show any compassion for all of us that had to stand up in court and had our very unhappy childhood laid bare?” he questioned.

Rideout’s criminal record includes 34 indecent assaults and two attempted rapes, most of which occurred at the children’s home in Crawley. His actions have left deep scars on those he victimized, many of whom struggled for years to speak out due to fear of retaliation and disbelief from authorities at the time. It was only after a lengthy legal process that justice was finally served, with Rideout being found guilty at Lewes Crown Court.

Following his conviction, Rideout was sentenced to ten years in prison. He was released temporarily on a license to attend hospital, but later returned to custody. The Ministry of Justice clarified that details regarding his hospital treatment and the grounds for his temporary release remain confidential, citing medical privacy and the sensitive nature of his health status. A spokesperson explained that compassionate release could be granted in cases where a prisoner is terminally ill, bedridden, or severely incapacitated, but Rideout’s circumstances did not meet these criteria.

The case has highlighted the tragic history of abuse within institutions and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of the passage of time. The bravery of the victims in coming forward has been commended by authorities and advocates alike, with officials emphasizing the importance of justice and support for survivors of childhood abuse. The CPS South East’s Nigel Pilkington underscored the significance of this case as a warning to potential offenders, reaffirming the commitment to prosecuting child sexual abuse cases and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.