Abuser finally brought to justice – over 50 years later.

Robert Gould, a paedophile teacher who sexually abused pupils at South End Junior School in Rushden, has finally been brought to justice more than 50 years after he committed his first crimes of abuse.

Last Wednesday, after 13 hours of deliberation by a jury at Northampton Crown Court, Gould (age 74) was convicted of abusing 14 boys between 1971 and 1987 and received a 26-year prison sentence, two-thirds of which he will be required to serve in prison, before being considered for release on licence for the remaining term.

Gould was convicted of the following 29 charges:

• 24 counts of indecent assault against boys under the age of 14
• 1 count of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14
• 3 counts of indecent assault against boys under the age of 16
• 1 count of buggery of a boy under the age of 16

Judge David Herbert KC commented at the sentencing hearing that Gould “took the innocence” of his victims “without remorse”.

At his trial, the CPS said Gould had “distinct patterns of behaviour” by initially touching his victims to judge how they would react, before proceeding to carryout increasing levels of abuse. 

Gould’s victims gave accounts at his trial of similar patterns of escalating abuse, that helped to prove the case against him beyond reasonable doubt.

A survivor of abuse by Gould was finally able to make a report in 2021, which prompted an investigation that uncovered numerous victims.

Detective Constable Alice Hornsby, the lead investigator from Northamptonshire Police, commented about the difficulties abuse survivors face in coming forward:

"This is especially the case for male victims who often believe that they need to remain silent about their experiences because of an internalised belief that speaking up is a sign of weakness.”

“On the contrary, these men are some of the bravest men I've ever met, and their courage and resilience has been incredible, especially as the investigation has taken nearly four years to get to court.”

“Robert Gould may have thought that he'd gotten away with his crimes, but this case goes to show that it doesn't matter how much time has passed, convictions for sexual abuse can still be achieved and Northamptonshire Police will always do everything it can to secure them."

Any further survivors of abuse by Gould who have not yet come forward, are being asked to contact the Police.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.