JOHN PENISTONE FROM EGGBOROUGH SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN YORK
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Eggborough Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, 82-year-old John Penistone from Eggborough has been sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl over a prolonged period. The abuse, which spanned approximately two years, began when the girl was just nine years old, and involved a series of heinous acts including multiple instances of sexual assault and rape.
York Crown Court heard that Penistone was entrusted by the child's parents to care for her while they were at work, believing he was a trustworthy individual. However, during this period, he exploited that trust to commit a series of sexual offenses. The court was informed that the abuse was not a one-time event but occurred repeatedly, with the defendant assaulting the girl hundreds of times. The court described the assaults as systematic and calculated, with Penistone taking every opportunity to satisfy his own sexual desires at the expense of the young victim.
During the sentencing, Recorder James Baird emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “The sexual abuse occurred on a very regular basis, hundreds of times. You used every opportunity to abuse her for your own sexual gratification and on at least one occasion, you used violence against her in order to get what you wanted, grabbing her hair and calling her stupid.” The judge also highlighted the breach of trust involved, noting that the offenses took place in the victim’s home environment, further intensifying the betrayal.
Penistone, who resides on Westfield Avenue in Eggborough, initially pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and denied five counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child. Despite his denials, a jury convicted him of the charges. He had previously admitted to four other counts of indecent assault, but the court found that he attempted to minimize the extent of his crimes. The judge remarked that the victim’s ordeal was particularly distressing, especially as she had to testify and be cross-examined in court, which added to her trauma.
In addition to the 10-year sentence for rape, Penistone received an additional six years for the other offenses. Before the sentence was handed down, the defendant attempted to address the court, claiming from the dock, “I have been convicted of something I haven’t committed.” The court was also informed of Penistone’s health issues and mobility difficulties, which the judge acknowledged, stating that he understood a prison sentence would be challenging for him.
As part of his sentence, Penistone will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities following his release. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the importance of safeguarding children from such predatory behavior.
York Crown Court heard that Penistone was entrusted by the child's parents to care for her while they were at work, believing he was a trustworthy individual. However, during this period, he exploited that trust to commit a series of sexual offenses. The court was informed that the abuse was not a one-time event but occurred repeatedly, with the defendant assaulting the girl hundreds of times. The court described the assaults as systematic and calculated, with Penistone taking every opportunity to satisfy his own sexual desires at the expense of the young victim.
During the sentencing, Recorder James Baird emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “The sexual abuse occurred on a very regular basis, hundreds of times. You used every opportunity to abuse her for your own sexual gratification and on at least one occasion, you used violence against her in order to get what you wanted, grabbing her hair and calling her stupid.” The judge also highlighted the breach of trust involved, noting that the offenses took place in the victim’s home environment, further intensifying the betrayal.
Penistone, who resides on Westfield Avenue in Eggborough, initially pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and denied five counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child. Despite his denials, a jury convicted him of the charges. He had previously admitted to four other counts of indecent assault, but the court found that he attempted to minimize the extent of his crimes. The judge remarked that the victim’s ordeal was particularly distressing, especially as she had to testify and be cross-examined in court, which added to her trauma.
In addition to the 10-year sentence for rape, Penistone received an additional six years for the other offenses. Before the sentence was handed down, the defendant attempted to address the court, claiming from the dock, “I have been convicted of something I haven’t committed.” The court was also informed of Penistone’s health issues and mobility difficulties, which the judge acknowledged, stating that he understood a prison sentence would be challenging for him.
As part of his sentence, Penistone will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities following his release. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the importance of safeguarding children from such predatory behavior.