JOHN PEARSON'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN CLITHEROE, PRESTON, AND WIMBLEDON

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through multiple communities, 88-year-old Jesuit priest John Pearson has been sentenced to two years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed over nearly two decades. The offences, which involved the sexual abuse of children, were committed between 1969 and 1987, and the victims ranged in age from just six to sixteen years old at the time of the assaults.

John Pearson, who resided in Preston, pleaded guilty to a total of 26 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. The court heard that his victims included four boys and three girls, many of whom were children of parishioners at churches in Clitheroe, Lancashire, and Wimbledon. The abuse was carried out under the guise of trust, as Pearson had worked predominantly as a locum or assistant priest, often meeting families through their local parish churches.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Nicholls detailed how Pearson had gained the trust of the children’s families, allowing him to spend significant amounts of time with the children, both at his home and during trips organized by him. She revealed that Pearson had shared baths and beds with some of the children during these trips, which included visits to his sister’s house in Pimlico, central London. Two of the victims, twin boys aged ten, attended a parish church in Wimbledon, while another family involved in the case were parishioners at a church in Clitheroe.

Many of the victims, now adults, were present in court to witness Pearson’s sentencing. Two women, who had been victims, were visibly distressed, crying and comforting each other as the details of the abuse were read aloud. The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with many present feeling the weight of the betrayal and the gravity of the crimes committed.

Detective Inspector Steve Marston of Lancashire Police commented after the trial that the victims found some solace in Pearson’s guilty pleas and the sentence handed down. The court heard that Pearson’s actions included sharing baths and beds with children and persuading some to stay with him at his sister’s residence in Pimlico. His defense, led by Franz Muller QC, argued that Pearson’s guilty plea was intended to prevent his victims from having to testify in court.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC, presiding over the case at Preston Crown Court, emphasized the severity of Pearson’s breaches of trust. He stated that Pearson’s conduct represented the “gravest possible breach of trust” and that prison was inevitable, regardless of the defendant’s age or health. The judge made it clear that the impact on the victims was profound, and no leniency could be justified.

While Pearson pleaded not guilty to an additional 20 similar charges, the prosecution decided it was not in the public interest to pursue those allegations further. The judge indicated that Pearson could expect to serve approximately one year in prison, although the Home Secretary might intervene if his health deteriorated. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats such violations, especially when committed by individuals in positions of trust within religious communities.