Police Hope Rideout Sentencing Will Bring Some 'Closure' to Victims
Eastbourne Herald
Police have paid tribute to the courage of the victims in the trial of Gordon Rideout – and hope the verdict and sentencing have brought them some closure. Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gross of Sussex Police said, “This has been a wide-reaching investigation, the success of which has been founded upon very strong inter-agency co-operation and the courage of the many victims and witnesses who have provided testimony in this case. “It is difficult to overestimate the significance of this verdict for those who have finally seen justice, many decades after being prey to the sexual abuse perpetrated by Gordon Rideout. “His offending over that period has been hugely impactive upon the lives of his victims, from childhood to the present day. It is hoped this case will bring a sense of closure to all of those who provided evidence to the investigation while underlining to the wider community that it is never too late to report serious crimes, however long ago the alleged offending took place. “In carrying out this investigation we also received full co-operation from the Diocese of Chichester and Barnardo’s Homes.” Gordon Trevor Rideout, 74, of Filching Close, Wannock, Polegate, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court today (Monday, May 20) after a six-week trial, of a series of sexual offences against young boys and girls. His Honour Judge Anthony sentenced him to a total of ten years’ imprisonment. Rideout will also be required to register as a sex offender for life on his release from prison. This police investigation into Rideout followed receipt of a confidential report to the Diocese of Chichester by Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss in May 2011, a copy of which was voluntarily supplied to police by the Diocese. That report raised concerns about Rideout’s conduct in the 1960s and early 1970s, and provided detectives with new lines of enquiry. That report was separate to the public report by Dame Elizabeth, which was also published in May 2011. Another priest referred to in that confidential report, Robert Coles, 71, of Upperton Road, Eastbourne, appeared at Brighton Crown Court on February 14 this year, and was sentenced to a total of eight years for sexual offences against young boys. His offending was not linked to that of Rideout. A special helpline is also available for anyone who feels they need support or advice whenever learning of such cases. The helpline is manned by staff at the NSPCC and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are handled sensitively and confidentially. Where appropriate, callers are referred to specially trained police officers and, if required, a range of local counselling services, who can offer expert support to those who come forward. The helpline number is 0800 389 5344
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