CYRIL LITTLEWOOD SENTENCED IN CRANLEIGH FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT GUILDFORD CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Cranleigh and the wider Surrey area, Cyril Littlewood, a man once celebrated for his contributions to youth work and wildlife education, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses against schoolgirls. The proceedings took place at Guildford Crown Court, where the details of his long history of abuse emerged, revealing a disturbing pattern of misconduct spanning over three decades.

Littlewood, aged 77 and a resident of Cranleigh, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for crimes committed more than 30 years ago. The court heard that during this period, he engaged in a series of sexual assaults against young girls who were members of the World Wildlife Fund Youth Service, an organization he founded more than 30 years prior. The assaults reportedly occurred during various youth activities, including field trips, camps, and in his office, with some incidents taking place at the homes of the victims.

Despite his frail appearance and his reputation as a wildlife expert and children’s author—having authored the 'Children’s Atlas of Endangered Animals' and being awarded an MBE in 2000—Littlewood’s actions betrayed a dark and predatory side. The jury was told that he had targeted vulnerable teenagers, often favoring certain girls over others, and even introduced two of them to the late Sir Harry Secombe, seemingly to impress or manipulate them.

Prosecutor Karen Holt described the extent of the abuse, stating, “Over three years, the defendant consistently and persistently sexually abused these girls. With one of them, he actually had sexual intercourse at camps and also at the WYS offices in Wallington, Surrey, as well as in the bedroom of her parents’ home.”

The court heard that Littlewood’s first known encounter with one of the victims was at a camp in the Yorkshire Dales in 1970, shortly after she joined the youth group. His wife, Diane, who was also an instructor, was present during some of these encounters, yet Littlewood’s attention was solely focused on the young girls. The prosecution revealed that he exploited moments of vulnerability, such as when one girl suffered a hayfever attack, to carry out his assaults.

Furthermore, the evidence indicated that Littlewood’s predatory behavior extended to at least two other teenage girls, one of whom was a close friend and fellow junior leader. The allegations include five counts of rape against one girl and 15 counts of indecent assault involving all three victims, spanning from 1970 to 1973.

Throughout the trial, Littlewood maintained his innocence, denying all charges. The case remains ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence and determine the full extent of his actions. The community of Cranleigh and the wider Surrey region continues to grapple with the revelations of this disturbing case, which has cast a long shadow over the reputation of a man once regarded as a dedicated youth worker and wildlife expert.