EXMOUTH EX-MAYOR JOHN HUMPHREYS CONVICTED OF HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE ON SCHOOLBOYS
| Red Rose Database
Exmouth Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Exmouth, John Humphreys, a former mayor and long-standing councillor, has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving two schoolboys over a span of more than a decade. The conviction follows an eight-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, where the jury deliberated for over eight hours before reaching a majority verdict.
Humphreys, aged 59 and residing on Hartley Road in Exmouth, faced serious charges including three counts of buggery and two counts of indecent assault against the first victim, as well as five counts of indecent assault against the second. Despite his vehement denial of any sexual contact with the boys, the court found him guilty on all charges.
The allegations against Humphreys are both disturbing and complex. The first victim, who was approximately 13 years old at the time, recounted that he was initially approached by Humphreys in public toilets located in Manor Gardens, a well-known gay meeting spot in Exmouth, during 1990 or 1991. Humphreys then took the boy to a friend’s flat, where they engaged in sexual activity. The victim described subsequent meetings, including one where Humphreys took him back to his former home on Salterton Road, culminating in a brutal assault on Woodbury Common, which he described as rape.
When asked why he decided to come forward after so many years, the first victim stated, “because I’ve had 25 years of sleepless nights.” His account detailed repeated encounters, with Humphreys taking him to various locations and subjecting him to sexual acts, including the assault on Woodbury Common during their third meeting.
The second victim, who was around 14 or 15 years old in 2001, met Humphreys while off school. He recounted that their first assault occurred during a lunch break when Humphreys took him back to his home. The young boy described feeling so confused and overwhelmed that he froze during the incident. Humphreys later offered him holiday jobs and continued to abuse him on multiple occasions, often telling him, “this doesn’t mean you are gay,” in an attempt to dismiss the implications of his actions.
Humphreys, a prominent figure in the Exmouth community, was also known for running his own gardening business. He served as a primary school governor for many years and was openly gay, notably participating in one of Britain’s first same-sex marriages in April 2014, when he married his partner on the day the law permitting such unions came into effect.
Despite his community standing, Humphreys’ reputation was severely tarnished after allegations surfaced in 2015. The police investigation uncovered records of a previous complaint from the second victim, which had not been pursued in the past. This evidence led to his prosecution and subsequent conviction.
During the trial, Humphreys maintained his innocence, claiming he was “shocked and flabbergasted” by the allegations. He also accused his first victim of being “wicked and vindictive,” suggesting that the accusations were fabricated to seek financial compensation.
The court has adjourned sentencing until Friday, allowing the victims to update their impact statements. Defense lawyer Fiona Elder acknowledged that Humphreys is aware he faces a lengthy prison sentence, while prosecutor Piers Norsworthy indicated that he would present a sentencing guideline schedule consistent with the severity of the crimes.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community of Exmouth grapples with the revelations about a man once regarded as a respected public servant, now convicted of heinous crimes committed decades ago.
Humphreys, aged 59 and residing on Hartley Road in Exmouth, faced serious charges including three counts of buggery and two counts of indecent assault against the first victim, as well as five counts of indecent assault against the second. Despite his vehement denial of any sexual contact with the boys, the court found him guilty on all charges.
The allegations against Humphreys are both disturbing and complex. The first victim, who was approximately 13 years old at the time, recounted that he was initially approached by Humphreys in public toilets located in Manor Gardens, a well-known gay meeting spot in Exmouth, during 1990 or 1991. Humphreys then took the boy to a friend’s flat, where they engaged in sexual activity. The victim described subsequent meetings, including one where Humphreys took him back to his former home on Salterton Road, culminating in a brutal assault on Woodbury Common, which he described as rape.
When asked why he decided to come forward after so many years, the first victim stated, “because I’ve had 25 years of sleepless nights.” His account detailed repeated encounters, with Humphreys taking him to various locations and subjecting him to sexual acts, including the assault on Woodbury Common during their third meeting.
The second victim, who was around 14 or 15 years old in 2001, met Humphreys while off school. He recounted that their first assault occurred during a lunch break when Humphreys took him back to his home. The young boy described feeling so confused and overwhelmed that he froze during the incident. Humphreys later offered him holiday jobs and continued to abuse him on multiple occasions, often telling him, “this doesn’t mean you are gay,” in an attempt to dismiss the implications of his actions.
Humphreys, a prominent figure in the Exmouth community, was also known for running his own gardening business. He served as a primary school governor for many years and was openly gay, notably participating in one of Britain’s first same-sex marriages in April 2014, when he married his partner on the day the law permitting such unions came into effect.
Despite his community standing, Humphreys’ reputation was severely tarnished after allegations surfaced in 2015. The police investigation uncovered records of a previous complaint from the second victim, which had not been pursued in the past. This evidence led to his prosecution and subsequent conviction.
During the trial, Humphreys maintained his innocence, claiming he was “shocked and flabbergasted” by the allegations. He also accused his first victim of being “wicked and vindictive,” suggesting that the accusations were fabricated to seek financial compensation.
The court has adjourned sentencing until Friday, allowing the victims to update their impact statements. Defense lawyer Fiona Elder acknowledged that Humphreys is aware he faces a lengthy prison sentence, while prosecutor Piers Norsworthy indicated that he would present a sentencing guideline schedule consistent with the severity of the crimes.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community of Exmouth grapples with the revelations about a man once regarded as a respected public servant, now convicted of heinous crimes committed decades ago.