Choirmaster sentenced for child sex offences after 50 years | Bolt Burdon Kemp Choirmaster sentenced for child sex offences after 50 years | Bolt Burdon Kemp

Find lawyer icon
Find your Lawyer

Free call back
Contact us
Round the clock support
Won't shy away from difficult cases
Committed to swiftly progressing claims

Choirmaster sentenced for child sex offences after 50 years

A former choirmaster who repeatedly abused his 10-year-old pupil has been jailed for historical sex offences.

Sean McNally, 71, of Todmorden, Calderdale in West Yorkshire, made his victim swear to God to keep the abuse secret.

McNally admitted five offences against the same victim, two of which involved more than 40 incidents of indecent assault.

He began his three year campaign of abuse in 1973 while working as the choirmaster and organ teacher at St Peter’s Church in Hersham, Surrey.

As with many victims of sexual abuse, his victim was actively groomed by McNally and made to feel like he was special.

McNally would take him on extra trips and give him special classes and organ lessons. McNally’s manipulation of his position extended to spiritual abuse as he repeatedly used the victim’s faith to make him swear to God that he would never disclose the sexual abuse that took place.

He was sentenced to three years in prison at Kingston Crown Court on 30th September.

The Diocese of Guildford has offered its unreserved apology to all survivors and those affected and states it is committed to making the church a safer place through increased safeguarding measures.

The investigating police force recognised the victim’s bravery in coming forward to report the abuse as an adult. Having been through years of therapy as a result of the childhood abuse, he had grown in confidence to the point where he felt able to report McNally.

Surrey police were quick to emphasise that allegations of non-recent sexual abuse will always be investigated – regardless of the amount of time that has passed, with investigating officer Emily Nurcombe saying: “We will always investigate allegations of non-recent sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. We would urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report it – you will be listened to you will be believed and you will be supported.”

Research shows only about 25% of people who are abused as children report the abuse as adults. On average it will take an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse 24 years to speak out after the abuse has ended,

Through speaking out long after the abuse took place, this victim has brought McNally to justice and hopefully will give others confidence to come forward and report historic abuse no matter how much time has passed – it is never too late to seek help.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we are dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse. We provide trauma-informed representation and work to hold individuals and institutions accountable. If you or a someone close to you have been affected by non-recent sexual abuse, you can contact our Abuse Team for free, confidential advice to help you understand your legal options and explore the possibility of bringing a civil claim and to secure the compensation that can aid in the healing process.

Some of Our Accreditations

See more of our accreditations

We’re here to help you.

Want to talk to one of our experienced lawyers? We can call when it suits you for a no-obligation, strictly confidential chat.

Your browser is out of date. Please update your browser.

This site (and many others) provides a limited experience on unsupported browsers and not all functionality will work correctly or look its best.