Herning Thompson

Herning Thompson, an 82-year-old man from Skipton, North Yorkshire, was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison following his conviction for a series of sexual offences against four young girls. The abuse, which occurred over four decades from 1981 to 2020, came to light after reports were made to North Yorkshire Police in January 2024.

Thompson, residing on Victoria Street in Skipton, was arrested shortly after the initial report. An investigation by the Harrogate and Craven Safeguarding Investigation Team led to him being charged with numerous counts related to the sexual abuse of minors. The offences targeted girls aged between five and 12 at the time, highlighting the prolonged and predatory nature of his actions.

At Leeds Crown Court, Thompson stood trial where a jury convicted him on six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration with a part of the body or an object, and two counts of attempted rape of a girl under 13. He was acquitted on three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching and one count of assaulting a boy under 13 by touching.

During the sentencing hearing at Leeds Crown Court, the judge imposed an 18-year custodial sentence on Thompson, accompanied by an extended licence period of 12 months upon his release. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was granted for life to protect the public from further harm.

One of the victims provided a poignant victim impact statement, detailing the lasting trauma inflicted by Thompson's actions. She stated: 'Although many years have passed, the trauma of what happened has never left me. I continue to experience distressing memories and emotional pain linked to what happened.' She further explained how the abuse had eroded her trust in others, leaving her with ongoing fear and anxiety that persisted for decades.

Detective Constable Nicky Wareham, who led the investigation for North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team, commended the victims' bravery. In a statement, she said: 'This case has been harrowing for everyone involved, and I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the victims. Despite the trauma Thompson inflicted, and his attempts to deny his actions and force them through the ordeal of a trial, they stood firm and found the courage to speak out. Their strength has ensured that a dangerous and predatory individual has finally been held to account and is now exactly where he belongs.' The police emphasised their commitment to pursuing historical cases of child sexual abuse with utmost seriousness.