EX-RIPON SCHOOL CARETAKER JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS
A former school caretaker who sexually abused three young girls has been sent to prison for eight years.Henry Bottomley, 87, from Filey, was sentenced at York Crown Court today, February 21.
He pleaded guilty to 12 out of 14 counts of gross indecency with the girls who were aged under 14.
The two other charges will remain on file.
The offences occurred between 1986 and 1995 while Bottomley was working as a school caretaker at Moorside Junior and Infant School, then known as such, in Ripon.
One of the victims bravely came forward to report the abuse in December 2018, stating that he sexually abused her between 1991 and 1995.
Shortly after he was charged with gross indecency offences in August 2019, two more victims accused him of multiple acts of gross indecency from 1986 to 1992.
The investigation was conducted by North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Bevington, who led the investigation, said: “Henry Bottomley was generally seen as a respected and trusted community member through his work and as a former member of the local Special Constabulary.
However, as this investigation confirmed, he had a very sinister side which led to three young girls being sexually abused.
Each victim described how Bottomley would get them alone, either at his home or in his car, and make them touch him.
He told them he was in pain and they were helping to alleviate it.
This disturbing behavior has caused trauma for the victims over many years.” DS Bevington added: “I hope the victims can find some comfort in the court’s decision, knowing justice has been served, and Bottomley has been jailed for a significant period.
It also shows that it’s never too late for victims to report such crimes and seek help from police, charities, and organizations like the NSPCC.
Our message remains: please don’t suffer in silence.
We are here to support you.”
