JOHN TURNER, FORMER NORFOLK TEACHER AND CHURCH LAY PREACHER, SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN NORWICH
A former Norfolk teacher, lay preacher, choirmaster, and cub scout leader has been convicted of child sexual abuse after a jury uncovered his 'carefully constructed camouflage,' a court has heard.John Turner, 75, formerly worked at Whitefriars School in King’s Lynn and was involved in community activities in West Winch, including religious and scouting roles during the 1970s and 1980s.
Norwich Crown Court was told that during this period, Turner committed multiple indecent assaults against four children.
Turner, of Coronation Avenue in West Winch, denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial that began in July.
The jury convicted him of nine counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child.
Before sentencing on Wednesday, October 13, the court hear a statement from one of Turner’s victims, who described how the abuse had influenced his mental health and confidence throughout his life.
The victim said, 'There's not been a day that's gone by that I've not thought about this,' and expressed relief at being able to finally disclose what had happened.
Another victim, who passed away after reporting the abuse to police, was represented by a sister’s impact statement, which was presented to the court.
Judge Maureen Bacon sentenced Turner to 16 years in prison, emphasizing that the jury’s verdicts clearly rejected his denials and the 'carefully constructed camouflage' he had created.
The judge remarked: 'The persona Turner built in the church, as a teacher, and as a cub scout leader was more important to him than the sexual abuse of the victims.
His deceit allowed him to freely abuse those boys he was supposed to care for.' Character references were submitted on Turner's behalf, but Judge Bacon acknowledged that despite his appearances, he had deceived many.
When referred to as a paedophile during sentencing, Turner attempted to speak to the court but was instructed by security to be taken down.
He initially resisted, grabbing the glass in the dock, but after a struggle, was led away.
Mitigation by Nicholas Bleaney noted that a significant prison sentence was inevitable and described Turner's downfall as a 'spectacular fall from grace,' adding that Turner had no one to blame but himself.
Bleaney concluded, 'Everything he's worked for and stood for lies in ruins now.' Turner was also subjected to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must register as a sex offender for life.
Additionally, he received a restraining order preventing contact with one of the victims and another complainant.
Following sentencing, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Norwich expressed their sorrow for those affected and praised the courage of those who reported the abuse.
The Diocese confirmed that Turner was suspended from his role as a Licensed Lay Minister in 2018 when the police investigation was launched.
The spokesperson stated, 'The Diocese of Norwich remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children, young people, and adults who seek our care.'
