JOHN LINEGAR OF COLWYN BAY SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR ABUSING GIRL IN SIGNAL BOXES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Colwyn Bay and the surrounding areas, former railway worker John Linegar, aged 74, was sentenced to a substantial prison term of 16 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses. The conviction stems from a lengthy trial held at Caernarfon Crown Court, where the jury found him guilty of five counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault, all relating to a young girl he abused over a period of several years.

Linegar, who resides on Grosvenor Road in Colwyn Bay, had previously been regarded as a respectable member of the community and was employed as a signalman at various locations including Chester, Helsby, and Shotton. His work involved operating signal boxes, often alone, which prosecutors argued provided him with ample opportunity to commit his crimes without immediate suspicion. The victim, now in her 40s, bravely testified that her childhood was profoundly affected by the abuse she suffered at his hands, which she described as dominating her life and stealing her innocence.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by barrister Simon Mills, highlighted the devastating impact of Linegar’s actions on the victim’s early life. She recounted that while Chester was too busy for him to carry out his abuse, he deliberately chose quieter, more remote signal boxes to carry out his heinous acts, ensuring she had little chance to escape or seek help. Her testimony painted a picture of a childhood marred by repeated assaults, which she said she had tried to bury but which continued to haunt her into adulthood.

When the verdict was announced, Linegar showed no visible emotion as the court sentenced him to 16 years for the rape charges and an additional 12 years for the indecent assaults, to be served concurrently. The judge, Rhys Rowlands, ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Rowlands expressed deep regret that the victim’s childhood had been stolen and that her innocence had been taken away through his repeated rapes. He condemned Linegar’s apparent pattern of self-interest and denial, noting that he had gone through life prioritizing himself and dismissing the harm he caused.

Judge Rowlands also pointed out that Linegar, now enjoying his retirement, had effectively evaded justice for many years, while the victim had been left to live with the trauma of his actions. The court heard a victim impact statement in which the woman described her feelings of shame and fear, revealing that Linegar had often implied they were in some sort of relationship and that he would tell her they could have fun. She expressed her regret at not having the courage to speak out sooner, which she said had left her feeling like a coward.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Sophie Woods of St Asaph CID commented on the case, stating, “The sentence reflects the serious nature of the offences and should send a clear and stark warning that this type of crime will not be tolerated by North Wales Police or the courts. All reports will be thoroughly investigated with the intention of ensuring that those responsible face justice for their actions, regardless of when the offences took place.”

Similarly, Iwan Jenkins, Head of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit for CPS Cymru-Wales, praised the bravery of the victim and emphasized that the sustained abuse was both reprehensible and shocking. He commended those who came forward to report the crimes, which ultimately led to Linegar’s conviction for these callous acts. The case underscores the importance of victim support services, such as those provided by the Amethyst Team, which encourages anyone who has experienced sexual offences to come forward and seek help. The court’s decision marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victim and holding offenders accountable for their actions.