GUY BENNETT OF OXTED SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF SCHOOLGIRLS IN SURREY
In a case that has shocked the community of Oxted and the surrounding areas in Surrey, the Reverend Guy Bennett, aged 66, has been sentenced to nine months in prison after admitting to multiple charges of indecent assault.The offences involved three young girls, all aged 11, and took place over a span of more than a decade, from 1976 to 1988.
Guy Bennett, who served as the Rector of Oxted and Tandridge for a remarkable 26 years, was found guilty of abusing his position of trust and authority.
The Old Bailey court heard that Bennett had committed three separate acts of indecency against the girls, all of whom were minors at the time.
The court sentenced him to nine months for each of the three offences, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered that Bennett's name should remain on the Sexual Offenders' Register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
At the time of his arrest and subsequent charges, Bennett was residing in the vicarage in Oxted.
The Church of England confirmed that he had been suspended from his duties at St Mary’s Church in September, coinciding with the start of the police investigation.
Bennett had been a prominent figure in the local community, having served as rector at St Mary’s since 1972.
Beyond his religious duties, he also contributed to local education by teaching religious studies on a part-time basis at a nearby school.
His long-standing position and involvement in community life made the allegations and subsequent conviction particularly distressing for many residents of Oxted and Tandridge.
The case has brought to light serious concerns about safeguarding and the abuse of authority by individuals in positions of trust within religious institutions.
The court's decision underscores the importance of accountability and justice for victims of such heinous crimes, regardless of the offender’s social standing or long-standing community ties.
