Retired Priest Found Guilty

Anglican Diocese of Chichester
May 20, 2013

http://www.chichester.anglican.org/news/2013/05/20/retired-priest-found-guilty/

Gordon Trevor Rideout, 74, from Polegate, East Sussex was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court today, Monday 20 May and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Rideout was found guilty of 36 sexual offences against 16 young girls and boys. His Honour Judge Anthony said the sentencing reflects the 1956 Act but if he were sentencing under the current legislation today it would be higher.  

In summing up the Judge said the victims’ evidence was extremely clear and compelling. He went on to say they were routinely not believed and that Gordon Rideout knew that and took advantage. He added: “You used your clergy position to get close.  Your sole aim was to abuse, knowing they will not be believed and punished.”

The judge said that Gordon Rideout has led a good life since 1973 but that he showed no guilt  for what he did and no remorse.

Rideout will now be required to register as a sex offender for life on his release from prison.

The Bishop of Chichester said today:

“Our primary concern today is with the people who have had to live for a very long time with the consequences of the shameful abuse they suffered from Gordon Rideout.

“We should pay tribute to those who, at considerable personal and emotional cost, have been able to come forward, to provide evidence, and to substantiate accusations as witnesses in the trial which has led to a guilty verdict.

“Gordon Rideout has been the cause of immeasurable and destructive suffering over a long period of time; he has also betrayed the trust and respect of many who have valued his ministry.  Today’s verdict will have repercussions in many different ways across Sussex and beyond.

“The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Colin Perkins, and his team have continued their close working relationship with the Police throughout this investigations. On behalf of the Diocese of Chichester I would like to put on record our gratitude to them and all those involved in this case.

“But we are left with the question of why it has taken so long for these grave accusations to be taken seriously and brought to trial.  What lessons do we all have to learn from this terrible catalogue of abuse about the strength and effectiveness of our communication within and between agencies that have responsibility for the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults?

“In the diocese of Chichester we shall continue to interrogate those procedures and to do our very best to ensure that we deliver the quality and standard that others expect of us."