ROBERT LAWTY'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN TAUNTON AND WOKING: EXPOSED IN CHORISTER SEX SCANDAL

In September 2014, Robert Lawty, a man from the Taunton area of Somerset, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young boys. His conviction came after a lengthy investigation into a series of grooming and abuse incidents that spanned over a decade, involving multiple victims and several other offenders. Lawty was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in these crimes, but he was released from custody in February 2017 and has since been living in the Taunton region.

These disturbing events came to light as part of a broader investigation into a network of individuals who exploited young choristers from St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Sydenham. The victims, all boys aged between seven and 14, were members of the church choir, which was under the supervision of convicted paedophile Tony Brockhurst, a funeral director who tragically took his own life around five years prior to the trial. The abuse was carried out over many years, with the victims being groomed through the use of alcohol, pornography, and other manipulative tactics.

Among the accused was Philip Tuffill, a 55-year-old IT company director and former funeral director from Redhill, who received a lengthy sentence of 14 years. Tuffill, who shared a residence with Timothy Fuller in Gowland Place, Beckenham, was employed at the same funeral home where Brockhurst had worked. The court heard that Tuffill had begun abusing one of the boys shortly after he joined the choir, inviting him to his home where he provided alcohol and engaged in sexual acts. The boy was led to believe that this was a normal part of his relationship with the men, who were trusted figures within the church community.

Another convicted individual, Timothy Fuller, aged 53 from Stoke-on-Trent, had a history of sexual offenses against boys, including previous convictions for gross indecency and indecent assault. Fuller was sentenced to six years in prison, with an additional four years on extended license. The court revealed that Fuller had a pattern of abusing young boys, including the first victim in this case, whom he had assaulted multiple times after grooming him with alcohol and pornography.

Robert Lawty, aged 55 from Woking, was convicted of two counts of buggery related to the first victim. His crimes involved sexual acts with the boy, who was also subjected to threats and manipulation. Lawty’s actions included asking the boy if he would have sex with his wife, further demonstrating the extent of his grooming behavior. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with the court noting the long-lasting damage caused by his abuse.

Ian Coulthart, aged 62 from Brighton, was also found guilty of abusing the same victim, having engaged in sexual acts at a cottage near Royal Tunbridge Wells. Coulthart received a sentence of three and a half years. The court detailed how the boy, aware of what was happening, did not protest because he had become accustomed to the abuse, which was often carried out in front of a fire in the cottage.

Other defendants included Jales, a 51-year-old driver for the same funeral company, who was convicted of indecently assaulting a second victim, and Heather, aged 65 from Swindon, who was acquitted of some charges but was known to have been involved in transporting the boys and treating them to meals. The court described how Jales had arranged pornography and engaged in abusive acts with the boys, often in secret and in squalid conditions.

The investigation uncovered that Tuffill had also groomed and abused the younger brother of one of the victims, starting his misconduct before the boy even joined the choir. The abuse extended over multiple trips, including one to Cheddar Gorge, where Tuffill assaulted the boy during a stay at a bed and breakfast. Several other victims came forward, revealing a pattern of grooming and sexual abuse by multiple men associated with the church choir and funeral services.

Sentences handed down reflected the severity and duration of the abuse. Tuffill received a total of 14 years imprisonment, with specific counts of buggery and indecent assault. Fuller was sentenced to six years, Lawty to five, Coulthart to three and a half, and Jales to twelve months. The court emphasized the gross abuse of power and trust by these men, condemning their cynical exploitation of vulnerable children.

As of February 2017, Robert Lawty has been released from prison and is residing in the Taunton area, raising concerns about ongoing safety and the need for vigilance within the community. The case has highlighted the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse within trusted institutions.