Former butcher guilty of indecent assault decades after offences in Croston
John Priestley was convicted of sex crimes committed in the 1970s
An 82-year-old former butcher has been found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault committed in the early 1970s in Croston, Lancashire.
John Priestley, previously the local butcher in the village, was convicted at Preston Crown Court after a jury unanimously found him guilty.
Priestley's crimes came to light in 2023 when one of his victims, now an adult, reported the offences to the authorities.
This led to the identification of a second victim, both of whom were teenagers at the time of the offences.
Priestley, who resides on Glamis Road, Leyland, pleaded not guilty, resulting in a trial where the jury rejected his claims.
He is due to be sentenced on 15th June at Preston Crown Court.
DC Will Hogan, of Lancashire Police said: “First and foremost, I want to praise the victims. They suffered with the effects of Priestley’s crimes for almost 50 years before courageously coming forward to them. I don’t doubt that their bravery has helped us bring Priestley to justice.
“Priestley was the local butcher in a small village – he was well known to those in the area, and portrayed himself as an upstanding citizen whilst committing deplorable acts against teenagers. I am thankful that a jury have seen through his lies and he has now been brought to justice.
“I hope that the victims can now begin to move forward with their lives knowing that Priestley has been held accountable for his actions.
“I want to send a message today to anyone who is a victim of a sexual offence. Please know, that however much time has passed, we will listen to you, we will take you seriously and investigate appropriately, and we will do all we can to get you justice.”