Isle of Wight ex church figure jailed for child sexual abuse

David Tickner, 61, of Cook Avenue, Newport, was found guilty of abusing a child on the Isle of Wight in the 1990s.

The victim, now an adult, reported the abuse to the police on May 23, 2022.

At the time of the abuse, Tickner was the assistant organist at a church in Newport and also helped run the church's youth club.

David Tickner. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary)

Following a police investigation, Tickner was taken to trial at Salisbury Crown Court on July 22 to face a charge of indecent assault.

The offence occurred at an address in Newport between 1994 and 1996, when the victim was aged between 14 and 16.

The trial lasted four days, after which the jury found Tickner guilty and he was remanded in custody.

He appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday last week (November 22) and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Constable Julia Parker, who led the investigation, said: "Tickner exploited the contact he had with this boy through his work in the church in order to sexually abuse him.

"The impact this had on this child, now a grown man, cannot be understated.

"This type of abuse leaves irreparable lifelong trauma. I commend the courage shown by the victim in this case for speaking out and reliving his childhood suffering to support this police investigation."

She added that the police will not tolerate any form of child abuse and reassured victims that they will be listened to, supported and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.

The police have encouraged anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact them on 101.

However, they recognise that not everyone may have the confidence to talk to the police about their experiences and reassured there are other services available that can offer specialist support.

Information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services can be found on the Hampshire Police's webpage.

Further information about how to report and seek support for child abuse is also available on the website.

Alternatively, victims can contact Child Line on 0800 1111.

Any adults who have been affected can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 for support.