Former Scarborough children’s home worker jailed for historic sex abuse
John Laister, 83, jailed for abuse at Scarborough’s May Lodge children’s home in the 1970s
Last updated 20th May 2025
A former house parent at a Scarborough children’s home has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually abusing a child in his care during the 1970s.
John William Laister, 83, formerly employed at May Lodge children’s home, appeared at York Crown Court today (Tuesday, 20 May). He previously pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.
The court heard the offence took place in 1970, when Laister sexually assaulted a young boy who was recovering from major surgery in bed at the home. The victim, who was living at the facility at the time, was targeted by Laister, who was responsible for his welfare.
The victim came forward more than 50 years later to report the abuse to police.
Laister, now serving a 12-year sentence at HMP Full Sutton for similar non-recent offences, was sentenced to a further 18 months to run consecutively.
Detective Constable Ali Morris, from North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, said:
“It was Laister’s duty to provide care and protection to vulnerable children, but he chose instead to abuse that trust.
“The victim had no parents to confide in and was in an incredibly vulnerable position. Laister exploited that vulnerability for his own gratification.”
DC Morris praised the courage of the victim in coming forward after so many years:
“This brave individual has carried the trauma for most of his life. I hope today’s sentence provides some sense of justice and closure.
“I also want to encourage others who may have suffered similar abuse to come forward — it’s never too late to report what happened. We will listen, and we will act.”