JOHN RENNIE FROM BARROW AND MILLOM SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF ABUSE

In a harrowing case that has spanned decades, John Rennie, a former resident of Barrow and Millom, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against young victims between 1962 and 1975. The 72-year-old ex-soldier was found guilty by a jury at Barrow Crown Court last month after a trial that lasted nearly three hours. The court heard that Rennie, who once owned a cycle and electrical shop in Risedale Road, Barrow, and was involved in community activities such as establishing the Barrow-in-Furness Mentally Handicapped Society for Children in 1972, had inflicted unimaginable suffering on four children, aged between seven and 15, over a period of more than a decade.

During the sentencing hearing at Burnley Crown Court, Rennie appeared before the judge, shaking his head slowly as the severity of his crimes was outlined. The court was told that, had Rennie not been of advanced age and suffering from health issues, he would have faced an 18-year prison term. The judge, Beverly Lunt, emphasized the gravity of Rennie’s actions, stating, “You physically abused four children. They kept their secret for decades until an anonymous letter to the police started this investigation.”

Rennie was convicted of multiple charges, including attempted rape of a child, 12 counts of indecency with a child, 10 counts of indecent assault, and three additional charges. The court detailed the horrific acts committed by Rennie, which included forcing a 10-year-old girl to strip, covering her eyes with black tape, and forcing her to pose for explicit photographs intended for distribution among like-minded individuals. He also coerced a young girl into having sex with a stranger for money and attempted to rape a young boy. Evidence revealed that Rennie made the boy watch as he abused a girl and expected him to participate in sexual acts with a woman in Millom.

Furthermore, Rennie forced three of his victims to perform sexual acts on him. Despite denying all 26 charges and claiming he was the victim of blackmail, the jury rejected his claims, finding him guilty of all counts. During the trial, it was also revealed that Rennie had a history of community involvement, including setting up a society for children with mental disabilities in Barrow and operating a cycle and electrical shop until diabetes caused him to lose his sight in 1991.

In mitigation, Rennie’s defense attorney, Mr. Nick Kennedy, highlighted his client’s health problems, including the discovery of cancer cells and a very low life expectancy. However, Judge Beverly Lunt was unequivocal in her remarks, stating, “You are now 72, but I have no doubt you were a monster between 1962 and 1975.” She condemned Rennie for his lack of remorse and for forcing his victims to relive their trauma in court. The judge also ordered Rennie to be registered as a sex offender for life.

One of Rennie’s victims, visibly emotional, expressed relief that the ordeal was over, saying, “I’m glad it’s all over and it was what I expected really. Everyone has been fantastic throughout and I can’t thank the police enough for everything they did.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the long-lasting scars inflicted by Rennie’s actions and the importance of justice for victims of abuse.