STUART THORNTON FROM COWLING AND SKIPTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN SKIPTON
| Red Rose Database
Cowling Skipton Sexual Abuser
In a landmark case that has shocked the local community, Stuart Thornton, a 65-year-old former care worker from Cowling, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed during his time at a children’s home in Skipton. The crimes, which spanned the 1970s, involved the abuse of three boys and a girl, all of whom courageously came forward to testify against him, despite the profound emotional toll involved.
Thornton, who is now registered blind and walks with the aid of a white stick, exploited his trusted position at the children’s home located on Carleton Road in Skipton to carry out his disturbing acts. His actions were uncovered after a thorough investigation and a subsequent trial at Bradford Crown Court, where he was found guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assaults, gross indecency with a child, and buggery. The court heard that Thornton maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming that his accusers were fabricating their stories. Judge Neil Davey QC, presiding over the case, highlighted Thornton’s apparent lack of remorse and noted his attempts to portray himself as the victim during the trial.
During the sentencing, Judge Davey addressed the victims directly, praising their bravery for coming forward and sharing their painful experiences. The judge emphasized that their willingness to testify was crucial in ensuring justice was served, and he expressed hope that they would now find some measure of closure and peace. The judge also acknowledged the emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon the victims, describing one victim’s impact statement as “harrowing reading” and noting the severe psychological consequences faced by at least two of the men involved.
While the court did not find evidence to suggest Thornton deliberately sought employment at the now-closed children’s home in order to commit his crimes, it was clear that he exploited his role to commit repeated sexual offenses against vulnerable children. The breach of trust was deemed extremely grave, and the court considered him a dangerous offender. As a result, Thornton was sentenced to an extended prison term, which includes an additional three-year license period. The judge also ordered that Thornton would not be eligible for parole until his case is reviewed at the two-thirds point of his sentence.
Furthermore, Thornton will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be required to inform police of his whereabouts once released. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life, under the terms of the sex offender registration requirement. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Earlier in May 2017, Thornton was convicted after a two-week trial of six separate offenses, including indecent assault on a male under 14, gross indecency with a child, and buggery. The jury found him guilty of these charges but acquitted him of two counts of gross indecency with a child, following Judge Neil Davey QC’s directions. The court had also imposed a conditional bail and an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order, along with a requirement for Thornton to sign the sexual offender register. The case has brought to light the disturbing abuse that took place within a children’s home that was supposed to be a sanctuary for vulnerable youngsters, but instead became a place of horror under Thornton’s predatory actions.
Thornton, who is now registered blind and walks with the aid of a white stick, exploited his trusted position at the children’s home located on Carleton Road in Skipton to carry out his disturbing acts. His actions were uncovered after a thorough investigation and a subsequent trial at Bradford Crown Court, where he was found guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assaults, gross indecency with a child, and buggery. The court heard that Thornton maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, claiming that his accusers were fabricating their stories. Judge Neil Davey QC, presiding over the case, highlighted Thornton’s apparent lack of remorse and noted his attempts to portray himself as the victim during the trial.
During the sentencing, Judge Davey addressed the victims directly, praising their bravery for coming forward and sharing their painful experiences. The judge emphasized that their willingness to testify was crucial in ensuring justice was served, and he expressed hope that they would now find some measure of closure and peace. The judge also acknowledged the emotional and psychological damage inflicted upon the victims, describing one victim’s impact statement as “harrowing reading” and noting the severe psychological consequences faced by at least two of the men involved.
While the court did not find evidence to suggest Thornton deliberately sought employment at the now-closed children’s home in order to commit his crimes, it was clear that he exploited his role to commit repeated sexual offenses against vulnerable children. The breach of trust was deemed extremely grave, and the court considered him a dangerous offender. As a result, Thornton was sentenced to an extended prison term, which includes an additional three-year license period. The judge also ordered that Thornton would not be eligible for parole until his case is reviewed at the two-thirds point of his sentence.
Furthermore, Thornton will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be required to inform police of his whereabouts once released. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life, under the terms of the sex offender registration requirement. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
Earlier in May 2017, Thornton was convicted after a two-week trial of six separate offenses, including indecent assault on a male under 14, gross indecency with a child, and buggery. The jury found him guilty of these charges but acquitted him of two counts of gross indecency with a child, following Judge Neil Davey QC’s directions. The court had also imposed a conditional bail and an interim Sexual Harm Prevention Order, along with a requirement for Thornton to sign the sexual offender register. The case has brought to light the disturbing abuse that took place within a children’s home that was supposed to be a sanctuary for vulnerable youngsters, but instead became a place of horror under Thornton’s predatory actions.