JOHN REDMAN FROM HUNSTANTON AND WEST LYNN JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE BOY

In a series of disturbing legal proceedings, John Redman, a former science teacher with ties to both Hunstanton and West Lynn, has been convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy. The court heard that Redman, aged 52 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy and breaching a sexual offences prevention order that had been previously imposed on him.

Redman, who resided on Kempe Road in West Lynn, Norfolk, was accused of exploiting his position as a teacher to gain the trust of the young victim. The court was informed that after employing the boy to perform various odd jobs, Redman engaged in inappropriate touching. The assault reportedly took place on July 31, and the court heard that Redman’s actions had a profound and lasting impact on the victim, who was deeply affected by the incident.

Prosecutor Chris Youell detailed the emotional toll on the young boy, stating, “He has had to stop working in the area; he has lost trust in people, particularly men; he gets anxious and upset and finds it difficult to sleep. There has been a lot of stress in the family home.” The court also learned that Redman’s conduct was in direct violation of a sexual offences prevention order issued in April 2011, which prohibited him from having unsupervised contact with boys under the age of 16. Despite this, Redman was found to have breached the order multiple times, including inviting the 14-year-old into his home and engaging in inappropriate contact.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Katharine Moore emphasized the danger Redman posed to children, stating, “You present a high risk of harm to children.” She sentenced him to 12 months in prison, underscoring that Redman’s previous convictions and breaches demonstrated a pattern of misconduct. The court highlighted that Redman’s actions were motivated solely by his own sexual gratification, showing a blatant disregard for the young victim’s wishes, emotional well-being, and future.

It was also revealed that Redman had previously been ordered to undergo a sex offender treatment program, which he failed to attend, further complicating his case. His defense argued that had he participated in the program, it might have prevented further offences. However, the court maintained that given his history and the nature of the offences, only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

In a related case, also in December 2012, Redman’s conviction was confirmed, and he was remanded on bail until December 21 for sentencing. The jury at Norwich Crown Court found him guilty of sexual assault on the same 14-year-old boy, as well as three other offences involving unsupervised contact with the victim and another boy. The court heard that Redman, who had trained at Terrington High School before becoming a teacher at Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, had denied the allegations initially, claiming that the incident did not occur.

The young victim testified that he had known Redman for two years and had performed odd jobs for him. He recounted that he went to Redman’s house to receive payment but was invited inside for coffee, during which Redman allegedly placed him in a headlock and molested him. The court was shown evidence that Redman had sexually assaulted the boy on July 31 of that year and had breached the existing sexual offences prevention order between April and August by inviting the boy into his home despite the restrictions.

The victim’s grandmother provided testimony, describing Redman as a “pervert” and recounting that the boy had confided in her about the incident, including claims that Redman kissed him on the lips. The police were contacted after the boy reported the assault, and Redman was subsequently interviewed. During the interview, Redman claimed that due to a prostate condition, he had no sexual feelings and accused the boy of threatening to report him once his money ran out.

Prosecutor Nicola May highlighted that the boy had been distressed and had sought help from his family, which led to the police investigation. Redman’s defense argued that he was a former RAF aircraft engineer who had served in the Gulf for 12 years before changing careers to become a science teacher. The court’s decision to adjourn sentencing until December 21 reflects the seriousness of the case and the need for a thorough judicial process to determine appropriate punishment for Redman’s actions.