Family’s Dignity Speaks Volumes in Sex Abuse Case Verdict

I always knew I’d cover a case like this eventually. I’ve reported from courts for almost twenty years, so, naturally, I’d know someone involved in a case. It happened once before in Derby Crown Court when the man being sentenced for assault seemed familiar. We realized we knew each other from Bristol University twenty years ago.

This week’s case felt different, though. The defendant was a former teacher of mine, and even more shocking, his victim was related to a classmate. The detective, Steve Dunn, started the conversation by asking if I would cover a trial he worked on that involved a teacher abusing a student.

I inquired about the school’s name. He responded, “Glaisdale Comp, in Bilborough.” I exclaimed, “I went to Glaisdale! When was it?” He said the 1980s.
Then, I asked about the teacher’s name. He replied, “Mr. Webster, who taught RE.”

My jaw dropped upon hearing this news. Memories of his class flooded my mind. Then, I discovered the victim was Richard Crown. His sister, Rae, had been a classmate of mine. We were together at Robert Shaw Primary and Glaisdale Comp. I felt utterly stunned.

I spoke with Richard’s family, who lived near my childhood home in Aspley. I hadn’t seen Rae in forty-three years and barely recalled meeting Richard’s twin, Andrew. They wanted Richard’s story shared to help other victims, and I instantly felt connected to their cause.

Webster was found guilty on four of five charges concerning Richard. I won’t detail them here, but they are accessible elsewhere. The defendant, now in his eighties, was barely recognizable. We all sat in the courtroom for the verdicts as the Crown family’s quiet dignity was powerful; they heard their family member’s abuser condemned.

Sex abuse victims typically have lifetime anonymity, although they can choose to waive this right. A media law quirk exists when the victim dies: anonymity is no longer protected after their death. Richard tragically passed away in 2022.

The Crown family knew this and wanted his story told. They issued a statement saying they hoped to help abuse victims who still suffer in silence; Richard’s life after abuse showed his strength.

I believe this reflects the Crown family’s strength, and it will remain with me forever. Webster, the teacher and abuser, faces sentencing at the end of the month.

Surprisingly, I want to be in court with Richard’s family to report the sentence given. I hope they receive the justice they deserve.