ERNEST DONALD FROM FULHAM JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE ON CHILDREN

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the community of Fulham, Ernest Donald, a man once celebrated for his role as a trusted school crossing patrol officer, has been sentenced to a total of five years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young children. The crimes, which spanned over four years, involved four innocent victims aged between six and 12 years old, and have left a lasting scar on the families and the local community.

Donald, aged 72, was found guilty earlier this month at the Old Bailey of 16 separate charges related to sexual abuse. The court heard that his actions had betrayed the trust placed in him by the children and their families, a betrayal that the judge, Henry Pownall, described as profoundly damaging. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Pownall emphasized the breach of trust, stating, “The trust to which the children were entitled to have in you has been broken. Only time will tell what damage you have done to these particular children, but also you have damaged the relationship children of that age can have with people of your generation.”

Despite his criminal conduct, Donald was once highly regarded in his community. In 1999, he was voted the top school crossing person in a competition sponsored by Heart FM and Carlton TV for the London area. Additionally, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1980 in recognition of his 26 years of dedicated service as a school bus driver, a testament to his long-standing commitment to public service.

Throughout the trial, Donald’s defense attorney, Gilbert Gray QC, highlighted his client’s previous good character, stating that Donald had dedicated much of his life “to the service of others” and that he now viewed the world “through a window of tears.” The defense also revealed that since his conviction, Donald’s home had been subjected to acts of vandalism, including smashed windows and damage to his car, which they attributed to the anger and outrage of local parents.

It was also revealed during the proceedings that Donald had established close relationships with several families near his residence in Fulham. One brother and sister from one of these families regarded him as a “grandfather figure,” and he would often babysit for them or look after the children during the day while their parents were at work. These relationships, which initially appeared to be based on trust and kindness, were ultimately exploited for his own criminal purposes.

Prosecutor Karen Holt detailed the disturbing nature of Donald’s crimes, asserting that he had begun “grooming the children for sex.” The court heard that the offenses included attempted rape, indecent assaults, and acts of indecency with children. For his crimes, Donald was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for attempted rape, one year for indecent assaults, and an additional 18 months for acts of indecency. The judge noted that these sentences could have been doubled but were mitigated by factors such as Donald’s previous good character, his advanced age, and his suffering from clinical depression.

It is also noteworthy that Donald was suspended from his duties as a school crossing patrol officer earlier this year, in January, amid the allegations. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, denying all charges against him. The case has left a community shaken, raising questions about trust, safety, and the importance of safeguarding children from those who might exploit their innocence.