KEIGHLEY MAN LAURENCE PETERSON SENTENCED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN CHURCH ABUSE SCANDAL IN KEIGHLEY
In October 2017, a disturbing case emerged from Keighley involving Laurence Peterson, a 59-year-old man who was convicted of aiding and conspiring in the sexual abuse of female worshippers at the Liberty Pentecostal church.The case revealed a pattern of misconduct that spanned over two decades, with Peterson playing a significant role in facilitating the criminal activities of the church’s former pastor, John Wilson.
John Wilson, aged 70 and residing on Shann Avenue in Keighley, was sentenced to 21 years in prison last month after being found guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault, three counts of conspiracy to commit indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault.
His crimes, which involved abusing women during “deliverance” sessions and in private at his home, had persisted from 1984 until 2010.
Wilson’s wife, Mary Wilson, also faced justice; she was given a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after being convicted of aiding and abetting indecent assault on two occasions.
Laurence Peterson, who resides on Eric Street in Keighley, was convicted of three charges of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and two charges of aiding and abetting indecent assault.
The court heard that Wilson would tell female church members he was there to “rid them of evil spirits,” only to subject them to sexual abuse under the guise of spiritual deliverance.
The jury was informed that Peterson conspired with Wilson, often participating in sessions where victims were barred from escaping, effectively trapping them during these “prayer” rituals.
Judge David Hatton QC described the Wilsons and Peterson as “false prophets” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” condemning their actions as a betrayal of trust and a gross violation of the victims’ dignity.
Prosecutor David McGonigal emphasized the long-lasting psychological damage inflicted upon the victims.
One victim continued to suffer nightmares, while another had been “brainwashed” and experienced her life being “changed forever.” A third victim endured “severe psychological harm,” leading her to move house repeatedly out of fear of encountering Wilson or Peterson again.
These testimonies underscored the profound impact of the abuse and the betrayal of their trust within the church community.
Caroline Goodwin QC, representing Peterson, described her client as a “very naive and simplistic individual,” acknowledging that he failed to intervene but was not the primary instigator of the abuse.
However, Judge Hatton made it clear that Peterson’s role was complicit; he had actively assisted Wilson by frequently “barring escape” for those receiving “ministry,” a process involving “unspeakable violation of their bodies.” The judge stated that Peterson had “envisioned” indecency during these so-called prayer sessions and had willingly lent his support to Wilson’s “dispicable criminality.” As a result, Laurence Peterson was sentenced to eight years and two months in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be required to sign the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the seriousness of his involvement in this disturbing case of abuse in Keighley.
