Man jailed for sexually assaulting two children
John Knowles, from Bridport in Dorset, targeted two boys between the 1970s and 1980s
Last updated 10th Dec 2025
An 86-year-old man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for sexually assaulting two children in Norfolk.
John Knowles, also known as Malcolm, of Broadoak, Bridport, Dorset was sentenced on Tuesday (9 December) at Norwich Crown Court to three years and nine months in prison.
He was also issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
He pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on two boys between the 1970s and 1980s in Norfolk.
Victim personal statements, read aloud in court, detail the impact Knowles’s offending has had on their lives. One victim stated: “What you John Knowles did to me that week was remove from me my right to be a ‘normal’ child, a normal adult, living happily without guilt, doubt and uncertainty.
“The effects of your actions will last for me my lifetime. A lifetime in which I can and will never forget. There will never be a day when your actions don’t live with me, accompanying my thoughts as I go about my day to day. It will always live in the back of my mind, at any moment ready to be triggered at unexpected moments.”
The second victim commented: “I find it very hard to trust anyone, I am waiting for people to turn. It has been a very long struggle to start to undo this emotional, psychological and physical abuse.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Davey said: "Knowles abused his position of trust, causing significant suffering for his victims.
“Both victims have shown immense strength and bravery in coming forward and reporting these crimes. I hope that this sentence allows them to begin to rebuild their lives and provides some level of comfort.”
Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse can contact Norfolk Constabulary on 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergency calls.