A former house parent at a Scarborough children’s home has been jailed for 18 months for sexually abusing a child in his care in the 1970s.
John William Laister, 83, of no fixed address, is currently residing in Full Sutton Prison where he is already serving a 12-year sentence for similar crimes. He was jailed at York Crown Court today (Tuesday 20 May).
He previously pleaded guilty on 4 February 2025 to indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.
Laister was previously employed as a house parent at May Lodge children’s home in Scarborough.
In 1970, a boy resident at the home was in bed recovering from major surgery when Laister approached him. He put his hands down the child’s pyjamas and sexually assaulted him.
The victim has lived with this for over 50 years and recently found the courage to report the abuse to the police.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ali Morris, from the Non-recent Abuse Investigation Team, said:
“It was Laister’s job to ensure that his victim lived in a safe and secure environment, instead he abused the trust placed in him and sought the vulnerable victim out for his own selfish, sexual gratification.
“The victim was highly vulnerable, he was having to navigate the care system, he did not have a mother or father he could confide in. He was sexually assaulted by the defendant, whose job it was to look after the wellbeing and welfare of children in the home. The defendant would have been well aware of the victim’s background and vulnerability and saw him as easy prey.
“I want to praise the victim for his bravery in coming forward and reporting this awful abuse that has had a detrimental effect on his whole life. I sincerely hope the outcome at court offers him some form of closure.
“I hope this outcome also gives other victims the courage to come forward, it’s never too late and we will do all we can to get justice.”