RON PHILLIPS OF CARSHALTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AT EPSOM'S SWIMMING POOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Ron Phillips, a 47-year-old former lifeguard from Sycamore Close, Carshalton, has been sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys during the 1980s. The crimes, which spanned from 1985 to 1988, only came to light after one of his victims, now 29 years old, sought psychotherapy for depression and disclosed the abuse he endured at Phillips's hands.

Guildford Crown Court heard that Phillips’s manipulative and predatory behavior extended beyond mere grooming. He developed such close relationships with the families of his young victims that he was allowed to stay overnight in the boys’ bedrooms, where he committed his acts of abuse. One victim’s family, in particular, became so trusting of Phillips that they believed he was a benign figure in their lives, unaware of his sinister intentions.

Phillips’s pattern of grooming began at Epsom Swimming Centre, a facility that was later demolished in 1988 and replaced by the Rainbow Centre. During his time there, Phillips would offer boys special treats and access to restricted areas, establishing a rapport that made it easier for him to carry out his abuse. His primary victim, who started attending the pool at the age of eight, was singled out for particular attention. The boy and Phillips formed a close bond, with the boy often visiting Phillips and even staying overnight at his flat, which he shared with his elderly mother.

From the age of 12, the victim engaged in sexual acts with Phillips. The court also learned that Phillips took the boy to nudist beaches in Brighton, where he was photographed naked by another man, further exposing him to inappropriate situations. In addition to this victim, Phillips abused two other young boys—one he met at the pool and another introduced through his first victim. These boys were taken to Phillips’s flat, where he watched pornographic films and engaged in sexual activities with them.

The relationship between Phillips and his initial victim ended when the boy left to visit his father in Cyprus at age 17, which marked the end of Phillips’s influence over him. Despite this, the victim continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, requiring ongoing treatment. The full extent of Phillips’s misconduct was uncovered after his arrest in June of this year, when he faced 22 charges including gross indecency with a child, indecent assault, and buggery. He ultimately admitted to 14 charges involving three boys aged between 11 and 16 during a court hearing on September 5.

Judge Michael Addison emphasized the gravity of the offenses, noting that the crimes were so severe that only a custodial sentence could be justified. He highlighted the importance of protecting young boys from such predatory behavior, underscoring the seriousness of Phillips’s actions. The case also drew comments from John Vadgama, procurement manager for the borough council that owns the Rainbow Centre. Vadgama explained that the leisure center’s management, GLL, conducts thorough background checks on all staff, including criminal record checks and verification of qualifications, to prevent such incidents from occurring. Despite these measures, Phillips’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and strict safeguarding protocols in community facilities.