JOHN BUMSTEAD FROM HASTINGS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOY IN 1960S

In a case that has spanned over four decades, John Bumstead, a 69-year-old former caretaker from Hastings, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually abusing a ten-year-old boy during the summer of 1960. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the abuse that occurred when Bumstead was just 28 years old, while he was employed as a caretaker at a Catholic school in Hastings.

Throughout the trial at Hove Crown Court, Bumstead showed no visible emotion as a jury found him guilty of two counts of buggery and one count of indecent assault. In addition to these convictions, Bumstead had previously admitted to two other counts of indecent assault involving a boy and a girl, both under the age of 16, in 1967. These past convictions further underscored a pattern of inappropriate behavior that spanned several years.

The court heard that the assaults took place during the summer of 1960, a period when Bumstead was entrusted with responsibilities at the school. The judge, Guy Anthony, detailed the severity of the crimes, stating that Bumstead had forced the young boy to perform a sex act on him and had also engaged in anal intercourse on one occasion. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons, recounted that Bumstead had told him no one would believe him if he revealed what had happened. This intimidation and manipulation appeared to have silenced the boy for many years.

When the victim finally reported the abuse last year, he explained that he had hesitated to tell his mother due to their family difficulties at the time and his desire to protect her from worry. The court was also informed that after the initial incidents, the victim was told that his allegations were wicked and was instructed to go to confession, further complicating his ability to seek help at the time.

During the sentencing, defense lawyer Lynn Griffin requested leniency, citing Bumstead’s advanced age and the significant amount of time that had elapsed since the offenses. Judge Guy Anthony acknowledged that Bumstead had not reoffended since 1967 but emphasized the gravity of the crimes, especially given the trust placed in him as a caretaker. The judge highlighted that the abuse of a ten-year-old boy was a serious offense and that Bumstead’s position of authority made his actions particularly reprehensible.

In addition to the prison sentence, Bumstead will be required to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offenses. The victim, speaking outside the court, expressed a sense of relief and justice, stating, “He got what he deserved. It has taken me 40 years to get this and at last he has got his comeuppance. I am feeling a lot better now.” The case has brought to light the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice for victims who come forward after many years.