Man Instructs Lawyers To Help Access Specialist Support And Urges Other Survivors Not To Suffer In Silence

A man sexually abused by a teacher as a child has revealed the “horrifying” impact it’s had on his life as the perpetrator was sentenced five decades on. 

The then child was coerced into acts of gross indecency by Richard Gaines in the 1970s.  

At the time Gaines, a geography teacher, was working at St Martin’s Preparatory School in Northwood, Middlesex. 

Teacher Richard Gaines previously jailed for child sex offences

In November 2019 Gaines, then of Swindon, was jailed for five years and two months after admitting seven counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14. The charges related to six boys.

Survivors asks lawyers to help them access specialist support

A number of Gaines’ survivors instructed expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them access the specialist support they require to try and come to terms with the abuse.  

Following a further police investigation, Gaines was charged with further offences. In November 2023 he pleaded guilty to two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency. Gaines, Now, aged 79, has received an 18-month jail term suspended for two years for his latest crimes. 

Following the sentencing, the man who is in his 60s but cannot be named for legal reasons, has spoken for the first time about the impact the abuse has had and urged other survivors not to suffer in silence. 

Legal expert determined to help survivors

Tom Fletcher is an expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supports abuse survivors and who is representing the man.

Expert Opinion

“Unfortunately this is yet another terrible case where a seemingly well-respected person has abused their position in the worst possible way for their own gratification.

“While nothing can make up for what my clients have been through, we’re determined to support them access the specialist help they require to try and overcome their ordeals the best they can.

“This latest sentencing highlights no matter how long ago the abuse took place, justice always catches up with perpetrators.

“Attitudes towards such crimes have thankfully changed and survivors shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.

“It’s important that others subjected to sexual abuse whether historical or not, report what happened to them as help and support is out there.” Tom Fletcher

Man reveals impact of child abuse and urges others not to suffer alone

“For years I couldn’t bring myself to speak about what happened. Being sexualised by Gaines robbed me of my childhood and innocence. I’ve had issues trusting people and being able to make new friends or form relationships as a result. 

“When I spoke with the police, it felt such a relief to be heard and believed after all those years. I’m extremely thankful to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for the sensitivity and professionalism shown in the criminal proceedings. However, that Gaines’ sentencing was delayed several times, and what I feel is his continued lack of acknowledgment and remorse and about what he did, has caused me additional stress and upset.

“No sentence Gaines received will ever make up for what he did, not only to me but others. However, I just hope that by speaking out others who have been abused feel that they don’t have to go through what happened to them alone. 

“Issues like abuse are under the spotlight more than ever and people can be confident that others will listen to their concerns.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping survivors of historic and more recent abuse at our dedicated abuse and criminal injury claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.