JOHN BLACKMAN, FORMER PENSHURST TEACHER AND RIPON PRIEST, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS

In a case that has spanned decades, John Blackman, a man once serving as a headteacher in Penshurst and later a Catholic priest in Ripon, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for the sexual abuse of two young boys during the early 1970s. The revelations came to light after the victims, now adults, came forward with their accounts, prompting a thorough investigation that culminated in his conviction at Maidstone Crown Court.

Blackman, who is now 75 years old, held the position of headteacher at Penshurst CE Primary School during the late 1960s, overseeing children up to the age of 11. After his tenure at the school, he relocated northward and entered the clergy, eventually becoming a priest in Ripon, North Yorkshire. His transition from educator to clergyman did not prevent his past crimes from resurfacing many years later.

The case was initiated when one of Blackman’s victims reached out to a former teacher from Penshurst in 2007, revealing the abuse he had endured. This individual had learned that Blackman was now a clergyman in Ripon and decided to write to the bishop there, detailing the misconduct. The victim recounted that Blackman had asked him to stay behind after school hours to read to him, during which Blackman inappropriately touched him over his shorts. The victim described Blackman’s words as, “You won’t tell anyone about our secret reading sessions, will you? Keep it a secret just between us.”

Prosecutor Edmund Fowler explained that these assaults were not isolated incidents, but occurred on multiple occasions. The victim’s parents were informed, and his father, enraged by the revelations, contacted Blackman directly. Blackman assured him that no further harm would come to his son. However, the abuse continued with a second boy, who was asked to stay behind for reading sessions as well. This time, Blackman undid his trousers and encouraged the boy to touch him, further compounding the severity of his misconduct.

Initially, Blackman denied all allegations, but he later admitted to one charge of indecency with a child and one of indecent assault. Judge Philip St John-Stevens emphasized the gravity of the crimes, noting that Blackman held a position of significant responsibility and trust, which he egregiously abused. The judge stated, “You abused that position of trust. Both these boys still live with the trauma of what you did to them.” He also pointed out that, despite the offences being old, they could not be dismissed lightly due to their seriousness.

As part of his sentence, Blackman’s name will be entered into the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of abuse and the importance of accountability, regardless of the passage of time.