HENRY STAYT FROM REDMARLEY AND MACKEY CONVICTED OF CHILD MOLESTATION DURING MUSIC LESSONS IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

In July 2011, a disturbing case emerged involving Henry Stayt, a violin instructor from Gloucestershire, who was convicted of abusing a young girl during music lessons. The incidents took place at his family residence in Redmarley, a small village within Gloucestershire, where the offences occurred when Stayt was just 16 and 17 years old.

Gloucester Crown Court heard that the victim, now a teenager, had simply wished for her abuser to admit his guilt. The court was informed that Stayt-Mackey had engaged in inappropriate conduct during her lessons, which included placing his hand inside her top, touching her indecently, and making suggestive gestures. One such act involved pressing his body against her back while she was playing her violin, actions that caused significant distress.

Stayt-Mackey was found guilty in June of seven charges of indecent assault and five charges of sexual assault. Despite the gravity of these convictions, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for two years by Judge William Hart. This means he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within the suspension period.

On the morning of the sentencing, the court was also presented with a statement from the victim, who expressed the profound impact the ordeal had on her life. She stated, “Over the past 15 months my life has been turned upside down… It’s been extremely heartbreaking.” She recounted how she had enjoyed her music lessons, maintained strong friendships, and actively participated in her local church and youth group before the abuse. However, following the incidents and the subsequent trial, she had lost her interest in music lessons and experienced the loss of several friends.

The girl further explained that the trauma had strained her family relationships, particularly affecting her bond with her father. Despite the emotional toll, her primary desire was for Stayt-Mackey to admit his wrongdoing. “I want justice. Justice would be Henry admitting it,” she said.

Judge William Hart acknowledged the victim’s feelings, stating, “I suspect nothing would have mattered more to her than for you to accept your actions.” While he chose not to impose a sexual offences prevention order at this time, the judge informed Stayt-Mackey that he would be placed on a barred list by the Independent Safeguarding Authority in due course, disqualifying him from working with children in the future.

Judge Hart also reflected on the age of the offender at the time of the offences, noting, “These offences happened between six and eight years ago. You were old enough to know better, but you were still very young.” The case highlights the serious consequences of inappropriate conduct by individuals entrusted with the care and education of minors, especially within the intimate setting of music lessons in Gloucestershire.