JERSEY MAN IAN PRYOR AND ANTHONY QUANT FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE AT ST. AUBIN'S FORT

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention, two men from Jersey have been convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed many years ago at the historic St. Aubin’s Fort. The trial, which lasted over a week, culminated in a jury deliberation that extended for seven and a half hours before reaching a verdict.

Ian Pryor was found guilty on two counts of rape, while Anthony John Quant was convicted of one count of rape and an additional count of indecent assault. Throughout the proceedings, both defendants maintained their innocence, but the jury, after careful consideration, returned majority verdicts of nine to two on each of the charges.

The victim, a teenage girl at the time of the assault and a virgin, recounted her traumatic experience in court. She described being raped twice by Ian Pryor and once by Anthony Quant. She also testified that Quant went on to indecently assault her while she was being raped by Pryor for the second time, adding a disturbing layer to the case.

Prosecutor Emma Hollywood, leading the Crown’s case, emphasized that these offenses occurred decades ago but still had a profound impact. She highlighted how the two men exploited the girl’s vulnerability and trust, subjecting her to abuse in what she described as “the worst way possible.”

The woman detailed how she was asked to give Pryor a massage so she could watch a video in one of the classrooms at the fort. During this encounter, she was handed a clear bottle containing a small amount of a transparent liquid. Although she did not remember explicitly drinking it, she was certain she had, perceiving it as part of the ongoing abuse.

She broke down in tears as she recounted her memory of lying on the floor, completely straight with her arms by her sides. She expressed her feelings of helplessness, stating, “I didn’t want to be there.” When she opened her eyes, she saw Pryor on top of her, and her mind was overwhelmed with the thought: “Why won’t you just stop? I didn’t do anything to make you do it, I didn’t speak to you.”

The victim admitted she initially did not speak and instead cried, wishing someone would come to rescue her. She emphasized her innocence and vulnerability, saying, “I was a virgin. I couldn’t do anything… There was nothing I could do to make it stop.”

Additional testimony came from her friend and a man who saw her the day after the alleged assault. Both described her as being visibly distressed, further corroborating her account of the trauma.

The court also reviewed transcripts of Pryor and Quant’s initial police interviews, providing insight into their statements. As part of the defense, Pryor’s lawyer called witnesses including his former wife and one of his brothers to testify on his behalf.

Following the presentation of evidence and closing arguments from Crown Advocate Hollywood and the defense teams, the jury, composed of five women and six men, retired to deliberate just before 3:00 PM. After over seven hours and thirty minutes of careful consideration, they returned their verdict at approximately 2:45 PM.

Ian Pryor, having been convicted, was remanded into custody immediately. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, with the court to determine the duration of his inclusion at a later date. Anthony Quant, already serving time for separate sexual offenses, remains incarcerated.

The sentencing hearing for both men is scheduled before the Superior Number, a panel convened only for the most serious cases, on February 6. The proceedings concluded with Royal Court Commissioner Julian Clyde-Smith expressing gratitude to all involved, acknowledging their diligent efforts and careful consideration throughout the week-long trial. He also extended thanks to all counsel for their assistance and professionalism during the process.