ANTHONY CRITCHLEY SHOCKS WOLLATON AND NOTTINGHAM WITH CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Wollaton and Nottingham communities, Anthony Critchley, a man with a long-standing history as a former police officer, has been convicted and sentenced for serious child sex offences committed decades ago. The allegations date back to the early 1970s, when Critchley, then off-duty, engaged in heinous acts against young boys in their early teens, including at the Attenborough Nature Reserve and other locations in Nottinghamshire.

Critchley's criminal conduct came to light after two of his victims, who had remained silent for years, decided to come forward following media reports about his previous conviction. These survivors revealed that they had been haunted by their traumatic experiences at the hands of Critchley, with one of them admitting that he had not disclosed the abuse until he approached police in Christmas 2016, feeling unable to confide in anyone else beforehand. The revelations prompted a renewed investigation into Critchley's past actions.

In July 2018, Nottingham Crown Court heard how Critchley, then aged 66 and residing at Sandby Court, Chilwell, pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault on a child and one count of committing a gross act of indecency towards a child. The court was informed that the offences occurred during the 1970s, when Critchley was off-duty, and involved abusing three boys. The court detailed how the abuse took place at various locations, including the Attenborough Nature Reserve, with Critchley exploiting his position and the trust placed in him as a police officer.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Critchley's actions included performing sexual acts on one of the boys on three separate occasions. On another occasion, he exposed himself and attempted to coerce the child into performing a sexual act, which the boy refused. The court heard that Critchley's conduct was part of a pattern of grooming, facilitated through shared hobbies and trips, which further confused and traumatized the young victims.

Judge Rosalind Coe, presiding over the case, described Critchley's betrayal of trust as an 'appalling breach.' She emphasized that Critchley's role as a police officer during the 1970s made his actions particularly egregious, given the authority and respect associated with his position. Critchley, now aged 64 and living on Riseholme Avenue in Wollaton, was sentenced to two years in prison for three counts of indecent assault and an additional six months for indecency with a child, with all sentences to run concurrently. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order.

Throughout the trial, Critchley's defense argued that he maintained his innocence and highlighted his role as the primary carer for his 93-year-old mother, who was unaware of the allegations. His barrister, Justin Wigoder, urged the court to consider a suspended sentence, stressing Critchley's otherwise 'blameless life' and significant career. However, the judge concluded that only a custodial sentence was appropriate, given the severity of the breach of trust and the impact on the victims.

Critchley's case is part of a broader pattern of historical abuse cases involving former police officers, raising ongoing concerns about safeguarding and accountability within law enforcement. The community continues to grapple with the revelations, which have cast a long shadow over Wollaton and Nottingham's reputation for safety and integrity.