JOHN YALLOP SHOCKING SEX CRIMES IN SHEFFIELD AND BLACKBURN

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Sheffield and Blackburn, John Yallop, a former vicar, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl. The allegations date back to the late 1980s, when Yallop was serving as a vicar in Sheffield, specifically at St Peter’s Church in the Burngreave area.

According to court records, the victim, who was only 16 years old at the time, was referred to Yallop for counseling after experiencing profound personal loss. Over a span of two months, during which she was grieving the deaths of her mother, father, and grandmother—all within a period of just seven months—Yallop exploited her vulnerability. The girl had lost her entire immediate family in a short timeframe, leaving her emotionally fragile and seeking solace.

Tragically, instead of providing the support she needed, Yallop subjected her to a series of sexual assaults. The court heard that he forced her to perform a sexual act on him and exposed himself to her both in his own home and in his car. These incidents occurred over a period of two months, during which the girl was particularly vulnerable due to her grief and loss.

Further details revealed that on two separate occasions, Yallop groped the girl at St Peter’s Church, the very place where he had previously conducted her mother’s funeral. The court was informed that the girl had initially made a complaint about Yallop’s behavior 26 years ago. At that time, Yallop, who was then 65 years old, admitted to a social worker that he had engaged in inappropriate conduct. However, rather than alerting the police or pursuing criminal charges, church authorities and social services convened a meeting. It was decided that Yallop, a married man with two children, would resign from his position, and no police investigation was initiated.

Prosecutor Sarah Wright emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “He accepted responsibility. He said he wanted to ‘show her he loved her’.” She further explained that the victim has struggled profoundly since the abuse, suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, and difficulties in her personal relationships. It was only in 2012, after reading a newspaper article in which Yallop suggested he was considering fostering children, that she felt compelled to come forward and make a formal complaint.

Initially, Yallop denied the charges, but three days into a trial, he changed his plea and admitted to six counts of indecent assault. During proceedings, it was revealed that Yallop remembered a meeting with the Bishop of Sheffield, during which he was told that a complaint had been made against him. He believed that resigning was the best course of action to avoid further repercussions.

Judge Simon Lawler QC sentenced Yallop to three years in prison. In his remarks, the judge condemned the former vicar’s actions, stating, “You unmercilessly abused her for your own sexual gratification. Now, there would have been an immediate complaint to police and the church would have taken swift action. Then, it was swept under the carpet. The church was more concerned with its reputation than protecting the victim. It was a cover-up.”

Yallop’s case highlights the failure of institutional safeguards and the devastating impact of abuse concealed by those entrusted with moral and spiritual guidance. The communities of Sheffield and Blackburn are left to grapple with the revelations of betrayal and the urgent need for accountability and justice.