JOHN EARLE, EX-JACKANORY PRESENTER FROM OKEHAMPTON, JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN DEVON

In a case that has shocked the community of Okehampton and the wider Devon area, John Earle, an 87-year-old former BBC Jackanory storyteller and teacher, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual assaults committed nearly six decades ago. The offences took place at Upcott House Preparatory School, where Earle was serving as deputy headteacher during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

According to court proceedings held at Exeter Crown Court, Earle admitted to six counts of indecent assault against a young boy, who was just nine years old when the abuse began. The assaults occurred between 1957 and 1961, a period during which the victim was subjected to repeated sexual misconduct by Earle. The court was told that the victim, now aged 69, came forward after many years of silence, revealing how the abuse had profoundly affected his life.

The court heard that the victim, Iain Peters, was a boarder at Upcott House when he was nine years old in 1957. He recounted to police how Earle would take him from his dormitory into a private room and force him into sexual acts. The abuse was not confined to the school premises; Mr. Peters also described being taken to Earle’s boat moored at Dartmouth, where further offences occurred. The assaults continued regularly until Mr. Peters left the school in 1962, at the age of 14, shortly before the school itself closed.

John Earle’s background was notable for his involvement in the mountaineering community and his work as an adventure cameraman. He filmed expeditions to the Himalayas, Baffin Island, and South America, which eventually led to a career with the BBC. During the 1960s and 1970s, Earle was a familiar face on children’s television, notably presenting the show ‘Tom Tom’ and narrating episodes of ‘Jackanory’ in 1971. His appearances on ‘Jackanory’ included narrating two stories, alongside other well-known storytellers such as Spike Milligan, Roy Kinnear, Brian Blessed, and Milo O’Shea.

Following his broadcasting career, Earle moved to Dartmoor, where he purchased a farm and transformed it into the Dartmoor Expedition Centre at Rowden Farm, near Widecombe-in-the-Moor. He hosted numerous groups of young people involved in adventure schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Princes Trust, and the Ten Tors challenge. Earle also authored several guides on trekking and walking routes across Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Quantocks.

After the case was brought to light, Mr. Peters expressed relief and gratitude towards the police for their diligent work, which allowed him to begin the process of healing. He stated, “The terrible burden of shame which caused me pain and blighted my life for 60 years has now been lifted. My sincere thanks to all those who have supported me to reach this outcome.” He emphasized the ongoing importance of protecting vulnerable children today, calling for society to remain vigilant against abuse.

Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced Earle to four years in prison and ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for life. The court also ordered a pre-sentence report and noted that all sentencing options, including immediate imprisonment, remained open. Earle’s defence team indicated they were in the process of obtaining medical reports, citing his age and underlying health conditions as relevant factors.

Police welcomed the verdict, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing justice regardless of how much time has passed since the offences. The case has reopened discussions about child protection and the long-lasting impact of abuse, highlighting the courage of victims like Mr. Peters who come forward decades later to seek justice and closure.