DISABLED SEX OFFENDER JOHN PRIESTLEY FROM BRIDLINGTON AND SCARBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR ATTACKS ON CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Bridlington and Scarborough, John Priestley, a 39-year-old man with a disability, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his heinous crimes involving an 11-year-old girl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse carried out over a period of several months, during which Priestley exploited the trust of his young victims to satisfy his perverted desires.

Throughout the trial at Hull Crown Court, Priestley sat emotionless in the dock as the jury found him guilty of attempted rape and indecent assault. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, listened to detailed testimonies about how Priestley, who was confined to a wheelchair, had manipulated and abused two children between October 2002 and February 2003. The court heard that he had gained the trust of his victims, only to betray that trust through sexual advances that culminated in an attempted rape.

Despite the gravity of the charges, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on four additional counts, including one of rape, leaving some questions unresolved in the case. During the trial, the prosecution painted a picture of a man who used his position of trust to commit these despicable acts, with evidence indicating that Priestley’s actions were driven by a “salacious and perverted sexual desire.”

Priestley's defense attorney, Rodney Ferm, requested leniency, citing his client’s disability as a mitigating factor. However, the presiding judge, Judge Cracknell, dismissed this argument outright, stating that Priestley's condition was “no excuse whatsoever” for his actions. In delivering the sentence, Judge Cracknell emphasized the betrayal of trust involved, stating, “The two girls trusted you and you abused that trust to further your salacious and perverted sexual desires.” The judge further condemned Priestley for showing no remorse, pity, or shame for his crimes.

It was noted that Priestley’s victims, whose identities are protected by law, were not present in court to witness his sentencing. The young girls had been subjected to these traumatic attacks over several months, and they are now in the process of trying to rebuild their lives after the ordeal.

Originally from Bridlington, Priestley had moved to Scarborough, where he was living at the time of his arrest. As part of his sentence, he was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring that he will be monitored for any future risks. The case concluded with a majority verdict of 10 to 2 in favor of guilt, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his crimes.