RICHARD SINGH SHOCKS WEYMOUTH WITH HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN EAST LONDON HOME

On November 2, 1992, a disturbing case unfolded involving Richard Singh, a man with strong ties to the Jehovah's Witness community, who was sentenced to five years in prison for heinous acts of child abuse. The crimes took place over a period spanning from September 13, 1989, to February 1992, and involved three young girls, all under the age of six, who were entrusted into the care of Singh's wife, a registered childminder based in East London.

Singh, aged 62 and residing in Wyke Regis near Weymouth at the time of his conviction, was found guilty of abusing the children during the period when he was left alone with them. The Old Bailey court heard that Singh, a high-ranking elder within his religious community, took advantage of his position of trust. He would take the young girls into a bedroom in his former East London residence, where he subjected them to sexual abuse, exploiting their innocence and vulnerability.

One of the victims, who was only three years old at the time, confided in her mother about the abuse. However, her parents found it difficult to believe that Singh, who appeared outwardly respectable and was highly regarded in their community, could commit such sickening acts. Despite their initial disbelief, the evidence presented in court painted a grim picture of Singh’s predatory behavior.

The victims, all under the age of ten, endured multiple assaults. The first girl was coerced into silence by Singh, who told her not to tell anyone because his wife would be angry. The second victim was bribed with sweets after being forced to perform humiliating sexual acts, while the third girl was fondled regularly when Singh’s wife was not present. The abuse left deep emotional scars, with the first girl now experiencing bedwetting and nightmares, the second exhibiting tantrums, and the third developing eczema as a result of the trauma.

These distressing revelations came to light when the first girl hesitated to stay with Singh and his wife again. She later provided a detailed account of her ordeal to social workers and police, which led to Singh’s arrest and subsequent trial. Throughout the proceedings, Singh maintained his innocence, claiming he had never been alone with the girls in the bedroom and denying any abuse. He often referenced his religious commitments, describing himself as a minister and elder who preaches the word of God and spends his days with the Bible.

Singh suggested that if any abuse had occurred, the blame might lie with the girls’ fathers, attempting to deflect responsibility. However, after over eight hours of deliberation, including an overnight stay in a hotel, the jury found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault. He was acquitted of one charge of rape. The court’s decision was supported by evidence from the West Ham Child Protection Team, which detailed the psychological damage inflicted on the victims. The first girl now wets the bed and shouts “No no,” in her sleep; the second exhibits frequent tantrums; and the third has developed eczema all over her body due to stress.

Judge Nina Lowry, QC, addressed Singh directly, emphasizing the severity of his actions. She pointed out that Singh, who was supposed to be caring for very young children as a registered childminder, deliberately separated the girls from others and gained their trust by being called “Poppa.” The judge highlighted the disbelief of the parents when they learned of Singh’s misconduct, noting that they initially thought their daughter was mistaken and allowed her to continue visiting Singh’s home, which led to further abuse. She condemned Singh for showing no remorse during the trial.

As Singh was led away to serve his sentence, his family, believed to still support him, waved to him from the courtroom. The judge concluded the case by describing it as an ordeal for everyone involved, underscoring the gravity of the crimes committed by Singh in a setting that was supposed to be safe and nurturing for children.