CHRISTOPHER EBBS SHOCKS BERKELEY AND DAVENTRY WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOY CHORISTER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Berkeley and Daventry, Christopher Ebbs, aged 37, has admitted to engaging in inappropriate and sexually motivated conduct involving a young boy chorister. The incident, which took place over several months, has led to a lifetime ban from working with children and a series of legal repercussions.

According to court proceedings at Gloucester Crown Court, Ebbs, an aeronautical engineer with a background in music from the Royal School of Music, was found to have physically disciplined a boy member of his choir by placing him over his knee and spanking him with a slipper. The court was told that Ebbs had recorded this act on DVD, which later became crucial evidence in the case. The video was handed to police by Ebbs’s wife after their marriage ended, revealing the disturbing nature of his actions.

Ebbs, who resided on Main Road in Woodford, Berkeley, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault against the boy, which occurred between October 31, 2006, and July 12, 2007. The court heard that during the investigation, Ebbs had already served three and a half months in custody following his arrest. Additionally, he was subjected to a violent attack on Christmas Day, where two men assaulted him outside his home, resulting in multiple injuries including broken ribs, a dislocated hip, and bruises. Despite these injuries, Judge Jamie Tabor QC decided to allow Ebbs to remain free pending sentencing.

In a private viewing, the judge watched the DVD of the incident, which depicted Ebbs instructing the boy to lie across his knees, with his cassock pulled up, and then spanking him on the bottom with a slipper for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. The judge noted that the act appeared more playful than punitive, with the boy seemingly laughing and not visibly distressed. The court was told that Ebbs had suggested the boy say “Ow” during the spanking, and that Ebbs himself acknowledged that his behavior had become sexual in nature.

Prosecutor Robert Davies explained that the case came to light amid Ebbs’s personal difficulties, including serious marital problems. His wife’s decision to provide police with the DVD was instrumental in uncovering the misconduct. Further investigation of Ebbs’s computer revealed searches related to bondage, chains, and caning, indicating an interest in violent adult sexual practices. These findings painted a broader picture of Ebbs’s private life, which included a fascination with BDSM themes.

During mitigation, barrister Ignatius Hughes emphasized Ebbs’s reputation prior to the incident. He highlighted Ebbs’s extensive work with choirs, including performances at cathedral concerts and appearances on BBC TV. Hughes described Ebbs as a well-respected and competent choir director who had dedicated over 15 years to working with both children and adults. He also pointed out that Ebbs held a degree from the Royal School of Music and had contributed significantly to his community through his musical activities, often working with underprivileged children and providing them with a sense of achievement and worth.

Hughes further explained that Ebbs’s professional career in aeronautics was now over, as he was unlikely to regain security clearance necessary for such work following his conviction. The barrister stressed that Ebbs’s involvement in choir activities was an admirable pursuit that benefited many young people, and that his actions, though serious, occurred during a period of stress and personal difficulty. He acknowledged that Ebbs’s motivation had become sexual during the incident but emphasized that the spanking was conducted with clothes on and involved no direct sexual contact.

The court also heard that the young boy involved did not recall the incident when questioned by police, and that Ebbs was genuinely remorseful. The assault outside his home on Christmas Day, which resulted in severe injuries, was described as a brutal attack by two men, who appeared to have an interest in the case. Ebbs did not seek criminal retribution for this assault.

Judge Tabor sentenced Ebbs to three years’ supervision, including mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ treatment program. He ordered Ebbs to register as a sex offender for five years and explicitly banned him from working with children for the rest of his life, stating, “That means no more choirs with children in them.” The judge clarified that he was not imposing a prison sentence because Ebbs had already served a significant period in custody, and the court aimed to prevent future contact with children and address the underlying issues.

Following the sentencing, the father of the young boy expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “I would have liked to see him jailed for longer for what he did. The sentence should have been harsher.” He also revealed that his son, once a quiet and caring young man, had become emotionally unsettled and was now receiving counseling, along with another affected sibling. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising concerns about trust and safety in environments where children are entrusted to adults’ care.