Former teacher jailed for 18 years for sexually abusing girl in 1990s

A former teacher in the York area has been jailed for 18 years for sexually abusing a girl in the 1990s.

John William Renel (pictured below), aged 68, of Main Street, Sessay, was found guilty of all five charges today (Tuesday 16 May 2023) following a trial at York Crown Court.

These included one count of rape and four counts of indecent assault.

Detective Constable Alison Morris, of North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“John William Renel is a predatory child abuser who has caused unimaginable trauma to the courageous victim in this case.

“I truly hope the outcome at court along with the significant custodial sentence handed to her perpetrator, provides comfort, strength and hope for the future.”  

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting child abuse

North Yorkshire Police

Make a report via our website or call us on 101 if you have been a victim of abuse.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

NSPCC Helplines:

• Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
• Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership - www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) - www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 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 the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.