COLIN KINGSTON FROM CHELTENHAM JAILED FOR MOLESTATION IN CHURCH SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the community of Cheltenham, Colin Kingston, a 72-year-old man with a long history of troubling conduct, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the sexual abuse of a young girl. Kingston, who served as the head server at a local church, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl who was assisting in church activities. The incident took place in October 1997, within the confines of Kingston's caravan home, where he committed the assault that would leave lasting scars on the victim.

Judge William Hart, presiding over the case at Gloucester Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of Kingston’s breach of trust. He stated that Kingston had violated what he described as a “sacred trust,” given his role within the church community. The judge pointed out that Kingston, who walks with a stick due to arthritis, had caused significant emotional and psychological damage to the girl, who subsequently developed anorexia. The court heard that the trauma inflicted by Kingston’s actions was a contributing factor to her ongoing mental health struggles.

Despite Kingston’s age and physical infirmity, Judge Hart expressed concern that he still posed a danger to young girls. The court was informed that the girl’s family had distanced themselves from the church entirely following the revelations of Kingston’s misconduct. Kingston, a grandfather of three and a resident of The Reddings in Cheltenham, was convicted last month by a jury of indecently assaulting the girl. However, he was acquitted of another similar charge, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on three additional indecent assault allegations, which the judge ordered to be discontinued.

In delivering his sentence, Judge Hart condemned Kingston’s actions as a premeditated abuse, highlighting his undoubted paedophile tendencies. The judge remarked that the effects of Kingston’s abuse continue to affect the victim to this day. Although Kingston’s health was poor and he had a commendable employment history, the court determined that a prison sentence was necessary to serve justice and protect the community. As part of his sentence, Kingston was also banned indefinitely from working with children.

The court also revealed that Kingston had a prior conviction for molesting a 15-year-old girl in 1989, which resulted in a 12-month jail term. During the trial, the victim recounted how Kingston sat her on his knee, fondled her, kissed her, and hugged her when she was approximately 12 years old. Kingston maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that he had “never” touched the girl sexually and denying any inappropriate behavior towards her.