JOHN PRIESTLEY FROM LEYLAND FACES COURT OVER DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS IN CROSTON

An elderly man from Leyland has been formally summoned to appear before the courts in connection with serious allegations of historic sexual misconduct. John Priestley, aged 82 and residing on Glamis Road in Leyland, is set to face legal proceedings following an investigation into allegations that date back several decades.

The case centers around accusations of indecent assault involving a teenage girl in Croston, a village within South Ribble, during the 1970s. The Lancashire Constabulary confirmed that the allegations pertain to incidents that allegedly occurred between 1970 and 1977, a period marked by significant social and cultural changes in the region.

According to an official statement issued earlier today, May 2, authorities have taken the step of summoning Priestley to appear in court after a thorough investigation. The statement read: "A man has been summonsed to appear at court as part of an investigation into allegations of historic sexual offences in Croston. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, John Priestley, 82, of Glamis Road, Leyland, received a postal requisition to appear at Preston Magistrates Court on 22nd May 2025, in relation to seven counts of indecent assault."r>

The allegations involve multiple incidents involving a teenage girl, with the accusations dating back over four decades. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address historical sexual abuse cases, which often come to light many years after the alleged incidents occurred. The legal proceedings are expected to scrutinize the claims thoroughly, with the defendant entitled to a fair trial under the law.

As the date approaches, community members and advocacy groups continue to follow the case closely, emphasizing the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged offenses. The court hearing scheduled for May 22 will be a significant step in the pursuit of accountability and justice in this long-standing case.