May 2014 Farnham man sentenced to 9 years in jail for sexual abuse of multiple boys A man from Farnham was sentenced today (2 May) to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to 12 counts of child sexual abuse. Rodney Reast, 53, was charged with 14 counts of child sexual abuse on four male victims between the ages of 10 and 16. These included eight counts of indecent assault on a male, three counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity. Reast was due to stand trial on 31 March but pleaded guilty to 12 of the charges when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court. Two other offences were accepted as not guilty and allowed to remain on file. At the hearing today His Honour Judge Peter Moss told Reast that he was deemed a dangerous offender and that there was a serious risk he would cause harm to others. Reast was told he would be on licence for the whole nine year period. A previous Sxual Offences Prevention Order was extended by the court for an indefinite period. Reast had previously been convicted of three offences of indecency with a child, five charges of indecent assault and four counts of sexual activity on 31 January 2011. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Guildford Crown Court and is currently at HMP Highdown. In September 2011 a further victim came forward and alleged he had been abused by Reast. Reast was later charged with five offences against this victim, including four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child. He pleaded not guilty to all five charges and a trial date was set for October 2013. However, in the summer of 2013 a further two victims came forward and made allegations of a sexual nature against Reast. He was subsequently charged with three offences of gross indecency and one count of sexual assault. The fourth victim came forward in October 2013, alleging that he had been abused at Reast’s home address between the ages of 11 and 17. Reast was subsequently charged with three counts of sexual assault against the fourth victim. Detective Constable Richard Pegden, who investigated the offences, said: “Reast was a well-known member of the local community who abused the trust people placed in him. “I hope this sentence sends out a clear message to people like him that no matter how old the allegation is Surrey Police will carry out a thorough investigation in an attempt to bring offenders to justice. “I would like to praise the four victims for the bravery that they have shown throughout the investigation and subsequent court case and although this sentence will never undo the damage Reast caused it will make sure people are protected from him for some time.” Surrey Police has a dedicated team of experts who will investigate any allegation of sexual assault or abuse, either recent or historic, and would urge victims to contact them in confidence on 101 (999 in an emergency) or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.