Tameside woman found guilty of sexually abusing teenager in 1990’s

66 year-old Sherley May Bond of Higham Lane, Hyde, has today been sentenced at York Crown Court to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of six counts of indecent assault on a child under 16 years of age.

Bond worked as a care assistant at a school in North Yorkshire more than 30 years ago when she began a sexual relationship with a teenage boy.

The investigation started in 2020 when the victim contacted his previous school to inform them of the sexual abuse he had experienced by Bond and North Yorkshire Police non recent abuse investigation team (NRAIT) officers were alerted to the reports.

The victim gave a statement and thanks to the determination of North Yorkshire Police Detective Constable Suzanne Hall and Police Staff Investigator Jim Allan, Bond was traced and interviewed.

Bond denied all offences but was found guilty of six charges of indecent assault on a child under 16 years of age at York Crown Court on 4 May 2022.

Bond was today (12 September 2022) sentenced to 10 years in prison at York Crown Court.

North Yorkshire Police Detective Constable, Suzanne Hall, said:

“At the time of the offences Bond was 19 years older than her victim. She abused her position, taking advantage of a child for her own gratification.

“I’d like to praise the bravery of the victim for coming forward and reporting Bond’s actions. He put his trust and faith in North Yorkshire Police, showing immense courage to work with us and bring Bond to justice.

“This investigation shows it is never too late to make a report to the police and that we take these incidents very seriously. We will do everything we can to explore all lines of enquiry and ensure that these offenders face the consequences of their actions.”

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting child abuse

Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response

Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org/

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at supportingvictims.org or by calling 01609 643100

NSPCC Helplines:

• Help for adults concerned about a child – call 0808 800 5000
• Help for children and young people – call Childline on 0800 1111
• Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/