ORMSBY FOSTER CARER BILL RATHBONE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX CRIMES IN TEESSIDE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Ormesby and the wider Teesside area, Bill Rathbone, a once highly regarded foster carer, has been sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for a series of serious child sex offenses. The conviction follows a retrial at Teesside Crown Court earlier this month, where a jury found Rathbone guilty of 14 separate charges involving two young victims.

Rathbone, aged 64 and residing on Norham Walk in Ormesby, had previously faced trial in August of the previous year. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict at that time. The recent retrial, which culminated in his conviction, has brought to light the disturbing details of his abuse, which spanned over many years and remained concealed for decades.

The court heard that Rathbone had sexually abused two girls during the time they were under his care. One of the victims, now an adult, recounted the profound impact the abuse had on her life, stating, “I’ve been robbed of the fundamental right to a normal life.” The court was told that both victims kept their suffering secret for many years, with the abuse only coming to light after they had grown older.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby described Rathbone as a manipulative individual who exploited his good character and reputation to hide his true nature. He explained that Rathbone had used his position as a foster carer to groom and abuse the girls, and that he had convinced investigators during an earlier inquiry that his interactions with one of the victims were not sexual in nature. Despite this, Rathbone later sent her messages of apology, seeking her forgiveness for the abuse he inflicted.

Remarkably, Rathbone and his wife Brenda received numerous accolades for their fostering work. They were awarded certificates for five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years of service by Redcar and Cleveland Council. In 2002, they were also honored with a civic thank you for being the longest-serving foster carers at the time. Their fostering journey began after the tragic death of their infant son, Philip, in 1976 due to a congenital heart defect. Over a span of 24 years, the couple cared for more than 70 children, earning respect and recognition within the community.

Defense lawyer Peter Kilgour acknowledged the gravity of Rathbone’s sentence, stating, “He will have to bear a lengthy sentence with fortitude,” but also emphasized that the effects of this conviction would follow him for the rest of his life. Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, presided over the case and delivered a stern judgment. He condemned Rathbone for grooming and abusing vulnerable girls, highlighting that the defendant remained in complete denial about his actions and posed a continuing threat to young girls.

The judge pointed out that Rathbone had held significant influence over his victims, especially one girl who was terrified of what might happen if she disclosed the abuse. Rathbone’s attempts to blame the victims and minimize his actions were also condemned. Despite the dark side revealed through the court proceedings, the judge acknowledged that Rathbone had shown kindness and generosity in other aspects of his life, as evidenced by testimonials from those he had cared for.

As part of his sentence, Rathbone was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16. Detective Constable Emma Brown, who led the investigation, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am delighted with today’s sentence. No matter how much time has passed, we would always encourage victims of child abuse to come forward and report these incidents to police.”

Rathbone was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child. The case has reopened wounds in the community of Ormesby, where Rathbone’s reputation as a foster carer was once held in high regard. His actions have cast a long shadow over the fostering community, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.