RICHARD AINSWORTH SENTENCED IN SHREWSBURY FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES

In March 2016, a court in Shrewsbury heard details of a historical sexual assault committed by Richard Ainsworth, who was involved with the Boys’ Brigade at a church in the town during the 1980s. Ainsworth, now 64 and residing in Colwyn Bay, was found to have indecently assaulted a young boy while working for the Boys’ Brigade at the United Reform Church in Coleham Head. The victim, whose identity remains confidential for legal reasons, was the fourth individual to come forward with allegations against Ainsworth. Previous complaints against him had resulted in a probation order in 1984 and cautions in 1999 and 2007, but he avoided jail on those occasions.

Judge Robin Onions told Ainsworth that if he were to be sentenced solely for all four assaults, he would face a prison term between three and five years. However, the judge ultimately sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, citing that Ainsworth had not reoffended since being expelled from the brigade in the late 1980s. Ainsworth was also ordered to pay £250 in court costs and remain under the supervision of the probation service.

Prosecutor Mr Kevin Jones stated that Ainsworth indecently assaulted the boy in a church corridor between 1984 and 1987, when the victim was estimated to be between nine and twelve years old. Defence attorney Mr Anthony Potter emphasized that Ainsworth had not committed similar offences in the 30 years since leaving the brigade, describing Ainsworth as feeling remorseful and perceiving his actions as a sin.

The court's decision reflects the seriousness of the offences combined with the defendant’s long period of apparent reformation.