April 26, 2017 2.52 pm This story is over 83 months old

Man, 81, charged with eight sexual offences as part of enquiry into historic Lincoln school abuse

An 81-year-old man has been charged with eight sexual offences as part of an ongoing enquiry into allegations of abuse dating back to 1958. Operation Redstone follows a review of past safeguarding cases by the Diocese of Lincoln. Roy Griffiths from Dorset has been charged with six counts of indecent assault on a boy under…
Lincoln Cathedral.

An 81-year-old man has been charged with eight sexual offences as part of an ongoing enquiry into allegations of abuse dating back to 1958.

Operation Redstone follows a review of past safeguarding cases by the Diocese of Lincoln.

Roy Griffiths from Dorset has been charged with six counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 and two counts of inciting a boy under the age of 14 to commit an act of gross indecency.

He has been bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 8.

As part of the investigation, officers say they are working in partnership with the Diocese and the Cathedral and are keen to hear from anyone who might have information that could assist the enquiry.

Detective Superintendent Rick Hatton of Lincolnshire Police said: “Our investigation into historic abuse is very much ongoing.

“The enquiries centre around the former Cathedral School and cover a period of 1963 to 1970.

“We are keen to speak to former pupils who may have attended the school during that time. We are still reaching out to people who we think may be able to help us – both potential victims and any potential witnesses.

“It takes tremendous courage to talk about any sort of abuse but we want anyone who may have been affected to know how seriously we take all the information you give us.

“It may be that something happened to you personally, or perhaps you were a witness to something that you haven’t yet told anyone about – please be assured that our officers are here to listen and help, and will treat you and the information you give us in the utmost confidence.”

A spokesperson for Lincoln Cathedral said: “The Cathedral has throughout Operation Redstone worked proactively in partnership with Lincolnshire Police and stands ready to offer support to anyone who contacts them about issues of harm and abuse.

“The Cathedral can promise that they will listen attentively to their experiences, walk alongside them in seeking justice and ensure that their voices are heard.”

Anyone who would like to talk to the enquiry team is being advised to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident 208 of April 26 or ask for Operation Redstone during working hours.

In March 2016, the former rector of Washingborough and Heighington Stephen Crabtree was jailed as part of enquiries for three years after pleading guilty to six charges of indecent assault on a 15-year-old girl.