FARNHAM MAN RODNEY REAST SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF MULTIPLE BOYS

In May 2014, a man from Farnham, Rodney Reast, aged 53, was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to 12 counts of child sexual abuse. Reast was originally charged with 14 counts involving four male victims aged between 10 and 16 years old. These charges included eight counts of indecent assault on a male, three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to participate in sexual acts, and one count of causing another person to engage in sexual activity.

Reast was scheduled to stand trial on 31 March but pled guilty to 12 charges at Guildford Crown Court, with two other offenses remaining not guilty and kept on file. During the sentencing hearing, His Honour Judge Peter Moss described Reast as a dangerous offender, emphasizing that there was a serious risk he could cause harm to others. The judge also ordered that Reast be on license throughout his nine-year sentence and extended a previous Sexual Offences Prevention Order indefinitely.

Reast has a prior criminal history, including convictions for three offenses of indecency with a child, five charges of indecent assault, and four counts of sexual activity, all established on 31 January 2011. He was sentenced to five years in prison at Guildford Crown Court and is currently incarcerated at HMP Highdown.

In September 2011, another victim came forward, alleging abuse by Reast. Following this, he was charged with five offenses against this victim, including four counts of sexual assault and one of causing or inciting sexual activity with a child. Reast pleaded not guilty to these charges, leading to a trial scheduled for October 2013.

Further allegations emerged in the summer of 2013, with two more victims coming forward with sexual abuse claims. Reast was subsequently charged with three counts of gross indecency and one of sexual assault. Then, in October 2013, a fourth victim reported abuse at Reast’s home when he was between 11 and 17 years old. Reast faced additional charges of three counts of sexual assault concerning this victim.

Detective Constable Richard Pegden, who led the investigation, stated: “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 ensure he is kept off the streets for some time.”

Surrey Police maintains a dedicated team of experts ready to investigate any allegations of sexual assault or abuse, recent or historical. Victims are encouraged to contact them confidentially at 101, or in emergencies via 999, or reach out anonymously through the charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.