JOHN GOWERS AND JOHN DELPHIN: SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENDER CASES IN STREATHAM AND EAST GRINSTEAD

In a disturbing series of events spanning several years, two convicted sex offenders, John Gowers and John Delphin, have been linked to heinous crimes involving minors in different parts of the UK, including Streatham Common and East Grinstead.

Back in December 2016, John Delphin, a 55-year-old man from Streatham Common, found himself once again in legal trouble after he was caught reading to young children in schools under false pretenses. Delphin, who had previously served time for child sexual abuse, had lied to teachers and library staff to gain access to children, claiming he was there for innocent purposes. When confronted about his activities, he shockingly claimed that “the police knew exactly what I was doing and were fine with it,” a statement that underscored his blatant disregard for the law and the safety of children.

Delphin’s criminal history is extensive. In 2013, he was convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old boy during a piano lesson at a primary school, resulting in a 20-month prison sentence. He also admitted to possessing indecent images of children. Despite his past convictions, Delphin, who was known by the name John Gowers at the time, changed his name before publishing a children’s book titled “Sammy the Homeless Bear.” His efforts to conceal his identity allowed him to continue his inappropriate interactions with children, including reading his book to a reception class at a school in Streatham and Clapham, as well as giving talks at Streatham Library.

His activities only came to light after authorities and the UK Database, a website that compiles information on sex offenders, tipped off the police. Judge Tudor Owen at Inner London Crown Court condemned Delphin’s actions, especially noting that he only contacted the police after a newspaper threatened to expose his activities. Delphin was found guilty of breaching a sexual harm prevention order and was sentenced to an additional four months in prison.

Meanwhile, in East Grinstead, John Gowers, a 52-year-old music teacher, was convicted of child sex offences in November 2013. Gowers, a talented jazz musician residing at Great Water Farm, Ashurst Wood, was accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old boy during a piano lesson at a school in Lewisham. Initially denying the charges, Gowers was found guilty following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. His criminal record also includes possession of numerous child abuse images, for which he was required to register as a sex offender. Gowers is expected to face a prison sentence when he is sentenced next month.

These cases highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals with a history of child sexual offenses, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and harm.