JOHN HIRST FROM WALGATE YORK JAILED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the city of York, John Anthony Hirst, a resident of Walmgate, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against three young children over a span of more than a decade.

Hirst’s criminal activities reportedly began when he was just 11 years old, and continued until he reached the age of 23. His victims included a girl aged five or six at the start of the abuse, her brother, and her sister. The abuse was carried out in secret, with the victims too frightened to disclose their suffering for nearly 30 years. It was only when one of the victims, now an adult, learned that Hirst was involved in youth work and that young people had been visiting his flat in Walmgate that they decided to come forward and report the crimes to the police.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby detailed the disturbing nature of the offences, revealing that Hirst had manipulated the first girl by turning what should have been innocent 'school games' into sexual acts. He also bribed her brother with sweets and toys to participate in sexual activities, and took explicit photographs of the boy. Additionally, Hirst showed the girl images of adults in sexual positions, and on one occasion, persuaded her to imitate these images with him. The abuse was systematic and ongoing, with Hirst exploiting the children’s trust and innocence.

The victims’ upbringing played a role in their silence; they were raised in a strict Roman Catholic environment where discussions about sex were taboo, making it difficult for them to confide in their parents. It was only years later, after the brother discovered Hirst’s involvement in youth work and learned that young people had been visiting his flat, that the victims finally found the courage to speak out.

Judge Stephen Ashurst, the Recorder of York, sentenced Hirst to 25 counts of sexual crimes, including ten serious sexual offences, 12 charges of indecent assault, and three counts of indecency with a child. The judge emphasized the impact of the abuse, stating, “This sentence will lift something of a dark cloud that has held over this family for some time.”

The psychological scars inflicted on the first girl were profound; she became withdrawn and suffered from guilt, feeling responsible for the abuse after Hirst shifted his attention to her brother. The judge highlighted the tragic nature of her feelings, remarking, “It is quite outrageous she felt guilty about decisions taken when she was a very young girl. This case demonstrates the corrosive nature of this type of offending.”

Hirst, who resides at Medway House in Walmgate, pleaded guilty to all charges, which included multiple counts of sexual assault and indecency with a child. As part of his sentence, a sexual offences prevention order was issued to restrict his future actions, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

During the proceedings, Taryn Turner, representing Hirst, stated that he had not offended since the abuse ended. She highlighted his otherwise hard-working life, including 14 years of employment with a single company and his volunteer work over several years, suggesting a complex picture of a man with a troubled past but no recent offending behavior.