RUGBY OFFENDER JOHN NEWMAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE

In August 2002, a case of shock and revulsion unfolded as John Newman, a 53-year-old Rugby council worker, was sentenced to five years in prison for abusing his position as a youth group leader to groom and sexually exploit young boys. Newman, who resided alone in Winwick Place, Rugby, was convicted at Warwick Crown Court after admitting to six charges of indecency, including two counts of having sex with boys around 11 years old. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for crimes committed in the mid-1990s at a youth club he helped operate.

Newman, previously convicted in 1996 for inciting a child to commit gross indecency, gained the trust of his victims and their families over time. Prosecutor Neil Bannister explained, "Over a period of time the defendant gained the friendship of the boy and progressed to sexually abusing him after grooming him for some months." The court heard that Newman initially touched the boy’s private parts over his clothing, later advancing to touching under his clothes and encouraging the boy to do the same to him.

Most incidents occurred near fishing pools or at Newman’s residence, with some taking place at the youth club he assisted with before the victim found the courage to tell him to stop. Neighbors expressed their disbelief; a young mother said, "He was a quiet man and kept himself to himself. No way would you ever think he was doing things like that, he was so nice and average." Another remarked, "You would see him going off fishing and not think anything of it. This is beyond belief and terrifying to think it was right on our doorstep. It just goes to show."

The second boy’s abuse began when Newman started by massaging his toes, then moved his hands up his leg, and eventually involved an indecent act in a changing room after swimming. On another occasion, Newman visited the boy’s home while his parents were away, kissing him on the back while he lay on the floor, then pulling down his trousers to have sex with him. The incidents only came to light earlier this year when the second victim made a police complaint, leading to the first victim also coming forward.

Following his arrest, Newman admitted the offences and later revealed details of a third victim, who confirmed similar abuse during activities such as swimming and fishing. The third victim's abuse involved oral sex and culminated with Newman engaging in sex under a bridge near Clifton lakes during a fishing trip, according to Neil Bannister.

Matthew Barnes, Newman’s defense lawyer, stated that Newman feared his aging parents would not be alive by the time he completed his sentence. He explained that the abuse came to light after the second victim attacked Newman earlier this year, fracturing his ribs, and the police were informed when the attack was reported.

Judge Marten Coates condemned Newman’s actions, describing them as "a catalogue of abuse," emphasizing that Newman targeted and manipulated the boys, leaving lasting psychological scars.

Reactions from the community reflected a mixture of shock and reassurance. Rose Piercey, a youth worker at the Bradby Club in East Union Street, explained that recent years have seen strict procedures implemented to prevent such abuse. She said, "No one can do volunteer work with young people these days without many checks including clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau. There might still be people who haven't yet offended but they still have to go through a very thorough checking procedure to make sure they are not a threat to young people."

A local mother, whose daughter experienced years of sexual abuse by a teacher in a separate incident, described the case as "almost too sick for words." She expressed her outrage: "When someone in authority does something like this it is the worst kind of abuse of power. It takes a lot for a parent to trust an adult enough to be alone with their children. You expect them to take on the role of parent and take care of the child. To use that power for their own perverted ends is almost too sick for words."