MERVYN RUSH FROM DORKING AND NORFOLK SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In August 2013, a disturbing case concluded with the sentencing of Mervyn Rush, a former teacher with a dark history of abusing young boys. Rush, aged 68 at the time, was convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving minors and received a prison term of 14 years. The case drew significant attention due to the lengthy period over which the abuse occurred and the fact that Rush had been on the run for many years before being brought to justice.

Rush’s criminal activities came to light after a lengthy investigation that revealed he had committed 18 separate sexual assaults against boys aged as young as nine. The charges against him date back to the 1970s, specifically between 1973 and 1977, but he was initially charged in 1999. However, he evaded arrest at that time, fleeing the country and remaining a fugitive for years. It was only earlier this year that authorities tracked him down in France, where he was subsequently arrested and extradited back to the United Kingdom to face the charges.

At the time of his crimes, Mervyn Rush was employed as a science teacher. He had previously lived in Dorking, Surrey, but the offenses took place at a school in Norfolk, which for legal reasons cannot be named. The court heard that the allegations involved a total of 12 victims, all boys under the age of 16. These charges were described as 'specimen' counts, representing a broader pattern of abuse inflicted upon a group of boys considered to be 'special' by Rush. The victims were targeted over several years, and the abuse was characterized by a disturbing pattern of manipulation and exploitation.

One of the victims, who was just nine years old at the time, recounted that Rush had assaulted him as many as 20 times. During the court proceedings, Rush appeared emotionless, dressed in glasses, an open-necked shirt, and a blazer, as details of his misconduct were read aloud. Prosecutor Stephen Spence detailed the disturbing nature of Rush’s abuse, revealing that the former teacher would sexually assault boys in his bed after they brought him cups of tea. He also took some of his victims for drives in his luxury cars, including a Lotus, an Austin Healey, and an E-Type Jaguar, further entrenching the sense of manipulation and control.

Spence explained that Rush cultivated a 'special' group of boys, which was seen as a privilege to be part of. The group consisted of the more popular boys, who received certain perks in exchange for their loyalty. One such perk involved bringing Rush a cup of tea in the morning. The victims, often dressed in pajamas, would visit his room, and some were invited to get into his bed to keep warm, which was when the abuse would occur. The prosecutor emphasized that Rush’s actions were predatory and calculated, exploiting the trust placed in him as a teacher.

In addition to his abusive behavior, Rush was known for his collection of sports cars, which he used to lure victims for rides. He also allowed some of the boys to stay up late to watch television, further blurring the boundaries of appropriate conduct. The court heard that Rush’s actions were part of a pattern of grooming and exploitation that spanned several years.

When sentencing Rush, Judge Stephen Holt described his conduct as deeply troubling. He stated, “You were at the centre of a special group, and all the boys wanted to join that group. You were in a position of trust, and it was only because of the concern of one of your victims about what you might still be doing to children that you were finally brought to justice.”

Rush pleaded guilty to seven counts of buggery and 11 counts of indecent assault involving boys under 16. He denied an additional 24 charges, which the prosecution chose not to pursue. The court heard from victims who described their experiences, with one recalling that at age 13, the abuse seemed attractive and that joining Rush’s group was seen as a privilege. Another victim recounted being shocked when Rush produced a magazine, believed to be Mayfair, and asked for opinions, highlighting the disturbing normalization of the abuse.

The case only came to light years later, after rumors about Rush’s behavior circulated within the community, and victims realized they were not alone. The media coverage surrounding Rush’s extradition prompted more victims to come forward, revealing the extent of his misconduct. Eleanor Laws, representing the defense, acknowledged that Rush was fully aware of the consequences of his actions and his attempts to evade justice. She stated that Rush could have faced the consequences many years earlier and that he had shown no remorse for his past crimes. Despite his criminal history, Laws noted that Rush had since led a productive life, being a good father and husband and attempting to do positive things in his community.