Former York teacher John Renel has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexual abuse

John William Renel, 68, of Main Street, Sessay, was found guilty on all five counts after a trial at York Crown Court today (16 May).

The charges 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 inflicted unimaginable trauma on the courageous victim in this case.”

“I really hope that the outcome of the court, combined with the severe prison sentence inflicted on her offender, will bring comfort, strength and hope for the future.”

If you have been a victim of abuse you can make a complaint on the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling officers on 101.

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

You can also contact Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire on their website or by phone on 01609 643100.

Victims of the Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) who prefer not to go directly to the police and are not in imminent danger can contact Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s SARC on 0330 223 0362 or at bridgehouse.sarc@nhs.net.