JOHN GILLATT FROM LUTTERWORTH SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN WARWICKSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Lutterworth Rapist
In August 2021, a disturbing case unfolded involving John Gillatt, a man from Lutterworth, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against two young girls. The case, which drew significant attention from local authorities and the community, revealed a pattern of systematic grooming, manipulation, and abuse that spanned over a decade.
Gillatt, aged 65 and residing on Woodmarket in Lutterworth, faced multiple charges in Warwick Crown Court. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming that his victims were lying, the jury found him guilty of six counts of rape, six counts of sexual assault, and additional charges including possessing extreme pornography and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also convicted of making and possessing indecent images of children. However, he was acquitted of some lesser sexual offenses alleged against a third child.
The court heard that Gillatt’s criminal activities took place over a lengthy period, from 2004 to 2020. The victims, whose ages ranged from nine to 18 at the time of the abuse, were subjected to a calculated campaign of grooming and exploitation. Gillatt, who owned a car mat manufacturing business, often lured his victims to his business premises across Warwickshire, where the abuse occurred. Prosecutor Stefan Kolodynski detailed how Gillatt’s contact with the victims, both under the age of 13 initially, escalated to rape and severe sexual assault.
Following the conviction, Gillatt was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with an additional year on license after his eventual release. The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender for life. Under current sentencing guidelines, Gillatt will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. Even then, his release will depend on whether he is deemed no longer a danger to children. If he survives his sentence, he is expected to be around 80 years old before the Parole Board might consider his release.
Gillatt’s arrest in May 2020 was prompted by Warwickshire Police after a report raised concerns about his alleged sexual abuse of a child. Investigations quickly identified the two victims, who recounted their experiences of abuse that had occurred over many years. One of the victims provided an emotional impact statement, revealing that the trauma had led her to feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
During the trial, the court heard how Gillatt’s manipulative tactics included threats and psychological pressure to silence one of his teenage victims. He also recorded indecent videos of a younger girl, which he kept until his arrest, and subsequently raped her. The judge, Recorder Rachel Brand QC, described Gillatt’s life prior to his arrest as one marked by hypocrisy, noting that his outwardly respectable demeanor concealed his depraved actions.
Recorder Brand emphasized the extent of Gillatt’s deviousness, stating that he had manufactured situations to be alone with his victims and had completely corrupted their innocence. She highlighted the devastating psychological impact his actions had inflicted on the victims and condemned his attempts to deny the truth during the trial. The judge concluded that Gillatt was a dangerous offender whose actions had caused irreparable harm to the young girls involved, leaving a lasting scar on their lives.
Gillatt, aged 65 and residing on Woodmarket in Lutterworth, faced multiple charges in Warwick Crown Court. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming that his victims were lying, the jury found him guilty of six counts of rape, six counts of sexual assault, and additional charges including possessing extreme pornography and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He was also convicted of making and possessing indecent images of children. However, he was acquitted of some lesser sexual offenses alleged against a third child.
The court heard that Gillatt’s criminal activities took place over a lengthy period, from 2004 to 2020. The victims, whose ages ranged from nine to 18 at the time of the abuse, were subjected to a calculated campaign of grooming and exploitation. Gillatt, who owned a car mat manufacturing business, often lured his victims to his business premises across Warwickshire, where the abuse occurred. Prosecutor Stefan Kolodynski detailed how Gillatt’s contact with the victims, both under the age of 13 initially, escalated to rape and severe sexual assault.
Following the conviction, Gillatt was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with an additional year on license after his eventual release. The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender for life. Under current sentencing guidelines, Gillatt will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. Even then, his release will depend on whether he is deemed no longer a danger to children. If he survives his sentence, he is expected to be around 80 years old before the Parole Board might consider his release.
Gillatt’s arrest in May 2020 was prompted by Warwickshire Police after a report raised concerns about his alleged sexual abuse of a child. Investigations quickly identified the two victims, who recounted their experiences of abuse that had occurred over many years. One of the victims provided an emotional impact statement, revealing that the trauma had led her to feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
During the trial, the court heard how Gillatt’s manipulative tactics included threats and psychological pressure to silence one of his teenage victims. He also recorded indecent videos of a younger girl, which he kept until his arrest, and subsequently raped her. The judge, Recorder Rachel Brand QC, described Gillatt’s life prior to his arrest as one marked by hypocrisy, noting that his outwardly respectable demeanor concealed his depraved actions.
Recorder Brand emphasized the extent of Gillatt’s deviousness, stating that he had manufactured situations to be alone with his victims and had completely corrupted their innocence. She highlighted the devastating psychological impact his actions had inflicted on the victims and condemned his attempts to deny the truth during the trial. The judge concluded that Gillatt was a dangerous offender whose actions had caused irreparable harm to the young girls involved, leaving a lasting scar on their lives.