Uckfield "Legend" Christopher Howarth Convicted of String of Sex Offences against Young Boys
Kent and Sussex Courier
A former Uckfield teacher and lay priest who claimed he was too fat to abuse young boys has been convicted of 26 offences. Ex-Uckfield Community College deputy headteacher Christopher Howarth stood trial on a string of sexual offences against two young boys. One of his victims told the court how Howarth was considered a "legend" in the community and that he was initially apprehensive about going to the police, fearing no one would believe the accusations. Howarth told the court this week he could not have abused the boys as he has not been sexually active since the mid-90s due to his weight. Today, the 68-year-old who taught at the school for 38 years, was convicted at Hove Crown Court of 26 offences, all committed in the Uckfield area. He was found not guilty of five offences He had previously pleaded guilty to two other sexual offences against one of the boys. Howarth, who had been on court bail during the trial, was remanded in custody for sentencing on 7 August. Howarth was convicted of 16 offences against one of the boys, between 2005 and 2011 when the boy was aged between 10 and 17. They were; three of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; eight of sexual activity with a child; four of sexual assault on a child; and one of taking indecent photographs of a child. He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to causing or inciting a child to take part in sexual activity, and during the trial before the jury retired, he also pleaded guilty to an offence of taking indecent photographs of a child, both in relation to the same boy. He was found not guilty of two offences of assault on a child by penetration, and one of sexual activity with a child, all in respect of this boy.
Howarth was also convicted of 10 offences against the other boy, between 2004 and 2009 when the boy was aged between 11 and 15. They were; four of sexual activity with a child; four of sexual assault of a child under 13, and two of causing a child to watch a sexual act. He was found not guilty of two offences of causing a child to watch a sexual act in relation to this boy. The prosecution, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, followed an investigation started by specialist Sussex Police child protection detectives in 2012. The investigation started in December 2012 when police were first told of allegations by the younger boy. Enquiries were made and Howarth was arrested in the same month. The second boy came forward with allegations during 2013. Detective Constable Amy Green said: "Howarth came to know the boys in his capacity as a lay priest at Holy Trinity CofE church in Uckfield, when they were very young, and befriended them over several years, giving support, but also offending against them. He was suspended by the Church as soon as the allegations came to light. "Some of the offences against both boys took place in the study at his home, and one of the boys was also assaulted in Howarth's office at Uckfield Community Technology College, where he was deputy principal until his retirement eight years ago. "The Diocese of Chichester and the College have given us full co-operation throughout this investigation. "The two victims, now adults, gave evidence by live video-link into the court and were subject to robust cross-examination. Their evidence clearly convinced the jury of Howarth's guilt on 26 of the 31 indictments. He had already pleaded guilty to two other offences against one of the boys. "This was a complex and sensitive case, but it illustrates once again the way in which we will always take seriously such allegations, refer victims to sources of support and counselling, and where appropriate will recommend prosecution." Statement from the Church of England Diocese of Chichester "The Diocese is aware that Christopher Howarth was today (17 July) convicted at Hove Crown Court after a ten-day trial, of 26 offences, all committed in the Uckfield area. He was found not guilty of five offences "Howarth was ordained in 1983 and has served since that time exclusively as a non-stipendiary priest in the Uckfield benefice of Holy Cross, Uckfield St Margaret's, Isfield and St Michael's, Little Horsted whilst also working full time as Deputy Principal of Uckfield Community Technology College. "Howarth was suspended immediately the Diocese became aware of the allegations and he has been prohibited from exercising any kind of ministry ever since. "Two young lives have been irrevocably damaged as a result of Howarth's actions. He obviously betrayed the trust placed in him at many different levels across the community. The Diocese of Chichester offers Howarth's two victims our deepest apology and we commend them for their bravery in coming forward and being willing to give evidence. "The Diocese is aware that news of Howarth's conviction and sentence will come as a great shock to many in Uckfield and we are working in conjunction with others to offer pastoral care and support to those more widely affected, still struggling to believe that this could happen within their midst. "The Diocese now wishes to place on record its gratitude to the Sussex Police, Uckfield Community Technology College and other statutory authorities for the way they have been able to work together throughout the investigation. "The Diocese continues to work to create a safe space for adults and children in all of its communities. At the same time we remember and pray for all victims of abuse, their families and friends."
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