IAN PRIESTLY GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN JERSEY: EX-TEACHER CONVICTED OF ABUSING TEEN GIRLS
In a significant legal development in Jersey, Ian David Priestly, aged 66, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of two teenage girls during the 1990s and early 2000s.The conviction was announced following a comprehensive three-day jury trial held at the Royal Court, where the court heard harrowing testimonies from the victims and examined the evidence presented against Priestly.
Priestly, who previously served as a teacher at Le Rocquier and Les Quennevais schools, faced a total of ten charges.
These included six counts of indecent assault and four counts of procuring acts of gross indecency.
Throughout the proceedings, Priestly maintained his innocence, even taking the stand himself to deny the allegations.
Despite his protests, the jury, composed of five women and seven men, deliberated for approximately five and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt on all counts.
The court was presented with detailed accounts from both victims, who recounted their traumatic experiences.
One of the women described feeling “dirty” even after many years had passed since the abuse.
The other victim provided disturbing details of how Priestly would contact her via text messages or phone calls to arrange clandestine meetings in Howard Davis Park.
During these encounters, Priestly would kiss and grope her, and he would also coerce her into touching him inappropriately.
The emotional impact on the victims was evident, with one recalling the vividness of the abuse, stating that she could still smell Priestly and feel his stubble, highlighting the lasting trauma inflicted upon her.
During the trial, Crown Advocate Julian Gollop summarized the case for the jury, emphasizing that the second victim’s testimony was particularly vivid and impactful.
He explained that Priestly had targeted two girls of similar ages, both of whom were naïve about sexual matters and virgins at the time.
The advocate pointed out that the victims were frightened of Priestly, which underscored the predatory nature of his actions.
Legal representation for Priestly was provided by Advocate Ian Jones, while the proceedings were overseen by Royal Court Commissioner Sir Michael Birt.
Following the verdict, Priestly was taken into custody and is now awaiting sentencing, scheduled for 14 February.
Additionally, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the court’s response to protect the community from further harm.
