Ex-social worker jailed for abusing boys in care during the ’70s and ’80s
73-year-old Raymond Poyner sentenced for historic child abuse
Raymond Poyner, 73, a former social worker, has been locked up for five years and one month at North Somerset Courthouse on January 5. He was found guilty of sexually abusing two boys under his care during the 1970s and 1980s.
Victims speak out: Trauma still haunts decades on
The two men, now in their 50s, bravely told the court how Poyner’s abuse has scarred them for life. One victim broke down in tears after hearing of Poyner’s guilty plea. He said:
“Since my childhood, what Poyner did to me sticks in my mind, it consumes a lot of my thinking and the way I view my life. I still have no trust in anyone, and even after all this time, I find it difficult to form 1. I just cannot allow anyone to get close to me; I cannot take people into my confidence.”
He added that despite the sentencing, he may never fully recover from the ordeal.
From Cornwall care home to Axbridge: Abuse spans decades
Poyner worked as a residential social worker in Cornwall during the 1970s where he groomed and assaulted a boy in a children’s care home. He later moved to Axbridge in the 1980s and committed indecent assault on another boy. The second victim revealed how the abuse still affects his personal and professional life today:
“My whole life has been centred around what Poyner put me through. I have little trust in those in authority, this view is jaded by the fact Poyner was a social worker, a position of authority.”
“A lot of people think I am an extrovert and have self-confidence. However, this is a disguise, and I am still a terrified teenage boy inside.”
He concluded, “Poyner’s actions will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Plea and punishment: Lifetime ban and sexual harm order
In October, Poyner admitted to two counts of indecent assault on a male and possession of indecent child images found during a 2021 raid. The charges included three images and one video.
He received a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and is banned from working with children.
Judge and police praise victims’ courage
Recorder Jaron Crooknorth branded Poyner a “predatory offender” who exploited the trust placed in him to groom and abuse boys.
Detective Constable Mike Tarling saluted the victims’ bravery:
“Investigating non-recent sexual abuse is among the most challenging enquiries we face, but cases like this show abusers can be brought to justice no matter how much time has passed.”
He urged survivors of abuse to come forward, promising they will be taken seriously and supported.
