PENRITH MAN TONY BRUNSKILL SENTENCED IN CUMBRIA FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into historical child abuse cases, Tony Brunskill, a man with ties to Penrith, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison after admitting to multiple child sex offences. Brunskill, aged 66, is already serving a decade-long sentence for previous offences involving three schoolboys. The latest charges relate to crimes committed between 1979 and 1981, when the victim was between 11 and 13 years old.

During the court proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, Brunskill was present wearing a grey sweatshirt and a white T-shirt. As the details of his misconduct were read aloud, he hung his head in shame, clearly affected by the gravity of the allegations. Brunskill had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and one count of a more serious sexual assault against the same boy.

The court was informed that Brunskill, formerly residing at Salkeld Dykes in Penrith, targeted the young boy by grooming him at a school in Lancashire. At the time, Brunskill held the position of head of English and head of house at the school. The victim recounted to police that Brunskill was perceived as a popular, fun, and flamboyant figure, responsible for overseeing school plays and activities.

The abuse reportedly began after the victim was subjected to bullying, prompting him to visit Brunskill’s flat to discuss his problems. Initially, nothing inappropriate occurred during these visits, but over time, Brunskill began to send the boy gifts such as cake and cola. As their relationship progressed, Brunskill lavished the boy with flying lessons, driving lessons, and even provided a camera and darkroom equipment. Physical contact soon escalated to hugging and kissing, eventually leading to sexual acts.

Brunskill’s manipulative behavior extended beyond the local area, as he was invited to visit the boy’s overseas home. During these encounters, he told the boy that he loved him but warned that if he ever disclosed the abuse, it would be “game over.” The victim described Brunskill’s tactics as “like a spider weaving a web of entrapment.”

When the boy advanced to a senior school, the abuse ceased, but Brunskill continued to send him money, including a £5 note through the post. Years later, Brunskill appeared unannounced and without invitation at the university where the boy was studying, claiming to have bought him his first car, a Datsun 100. Additionally, Brunskill sent a telegram to the boy’s wedding reception, which was read aloud during the ceremony. The victim revealed that he has never been able to watch his wedding video due to the emotional trauma.

Judge Paul Batty QC described Brunskill as “deeply manipulative,” condemning his actions as a gross violation of trust and innocence. He stated, “You debauched and corrupted the boy for your own sexual gratification. You are deeply disgusting.” The court subsequently imposed an additional four-year prison sentence, which will be served alongside the existing ten-year term Brunskill is already serving for other offences.