KEN WHITTAKER FROM DENTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AT ST JOHN'S AMBULANCE IN TAMESIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Denton and the wider Tameside area, Ken Whittaker, a 67-year-old volunteer ambulance worker, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys under his supervision. The crimes took place within the premises of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, where Whittaker was trusted to teach life-saving techniques to children and young teenagers.

Whittaker’s position as a volunteer gave him access to vulnerable boys, whom he exploited for his own predatory purposes. The court heard that he had committed multiple acts of sexual assault, including two rapes, one attempted rape, six indecent assaults, and three charges of indecency with a child. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the fact that he will remain on the sex offender register for life and has been disqualified from working with children in any capacity.

It was revealed during the trial that Whittaker had managed to hide nearly five decades of abuse from his wife, Mary. The truth only came to light when one of his victims, now aged 24, came forward last year after recognizing him in the street. This revelation prompted police investigations that uncovered a troubling history of offenses dating back to the 1950s.

Records showed that in 1954, Whittaker was fined £10 by Mottram magistrates for indecently assaulting an eight-year-old boy outside a sports pavilion. Just three years later, in August 1957, he was placed on probation following a similar assault on a 10-year-old boy. These early incidents were known to authorities at the time but did not prevent him from continuing his pattern of abuse over the years.

During the court proceedings, David Lane QC, the prosecutor, explained that the leadership of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade was unaware of Whittaker’s past when he volunteered. He had successfully built relationships within the organization and gained the trust of parents, who believed he was offering additional tuition and guidance to their children. Several men who had been victimized kept their experiences secret for more than 15 years, only coming forward after the recent revelations.

Judge Peter Lakin addressed Whittaker directly, stating, “You breached the trust placed in you,” emphasizing the gravity of his betrayal of the innocent children and the community’s trust. The case has left a lasting impact on those involved and highlights the importance of safeguarding measures within organizations working with children.