MARK CORY FROM BANSTEAD FOUND GUILTY OF HISTORIC SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN GUILDFORD

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Banstead, a jury has concluded that former teacher Mark Cory was responsible for carrying out a series of serious sexual offenses spanning over a decade. The allegations involve multiple victims and have prompted a detailed court examination into the extent of his misconduct.

Mark Cory, who resided on Cunningham Road in Banstead, was accused of engaging in sexual acts with seven pupils during a 13-year period. The court heard that these acts included discussions about masturbation, inappropriate physical contact, and other forms of sexual misconduct directed at young students. The jury found Cory guilty on three counts of indecent assault involving males aged 14 and under, as well as nine counts of gross indecency with a child. These findings were reached after a thorough trial at Guildford Crown Court, which was conducted under unusual circumstances due to Cory’s health condition.

Because Cory, now 87 years old, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the court’s proceedings were adapted accordingly. Judge Jonathan Black directed that the jury’s role was limited to determining whether the alleged events actually occurred, rather than establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision was made to accommodate Cory’s physical and mental state, which rendered him unfit to stand trial in the traditional sense. The trial, which lasted seven days from Wednesday, May 16 to Thursday, May 24, revealed disturbing details about the nature of the abuse.

During the hearing, evidence was presented that Cory would take pupils into private rooms to discuss topics such as “mutual masturbation,” and would ask whether the children had started masturbating. These incidents reportedly took place over a period of more than a decade, with the court hearing that Cory would instruct pupils to keep their interactions secret, telling one child, “it will be our little secret.”

One victim was identified as having endured more extensive abuse than others, feeling both embarrassed and coerced into performing acts that Cory requested. The prosecution highlighted how Cory exploited his position of authority and trust, especially during activities such as supervising sports and overseeing children in dormitories. The court heard that Cory took particular interest in the children’s vulnerabilities, including their homesickness, and used this to manipulate and abuse them.

Further disturbing details emerged regarding Cory’s conduct during swimming sessions. Witnesses testified that Cory insisted children participate in these sessions naked, with him reportedly having “his penis hanging out of his shorts” while watching over them. Such behavior was described as part of a pattern of exploitation, with Cory taking advantage of the children’s trust and their vulnerable state.

One of the victims confided in their mother about the abuse, leading her to confront the then-head teacher at the school. However, no action was taken at that time, allowing the misconduct to continue unnoticed for years. The court also heard that Cory was cleared of three additional allegations—two of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and one of gross indecency with a child—indicating that not all accusations were substantiated.

Cory was first formally charged by Surrey Police on Friday, May 19, 2017, marking the beginning of a lengthy legal process that ultimately resulted in the jury’s verdict. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Banstead, raising questions about safeguarding and the oversight of individuals in positions of authority within educational settings.