Ex-Teacher Anthony Shenton Jailed for Decades-Old Child Sex Abuse
Anthony Shenton, 82, of Aldenham, has been sentenced at St Albans Crown Court after being found guilty of a series of horrific child sex offences spanning the 1970s and 1980s.
Four New Convictions Add to Shocking 15 Guilty Pleas
On August 20, a jury convicted Shenton of two indecent assaults on a child, one buggery charge, and one indecency with a child offence. These came on top of fifteen previous guilty pleas involving ten indecent assaults and five counts of gross indecency.
All his victims were male pupils aged 11 to 15 at Langleybury School in Hunton Bridge, where Shenton taught design technology and games from the mid-1960s until the early 1990s. The school shut down in 1996.
Abuse Took Place at School and Beyond
- Shenton preyed on boys during school hours, after-school clubs, and school trips including canoeing and skiing.
- He also abused victims at his flat in Abbots Langley and at a school apartment.
Detective Praises Victims’ Bravery and Vows Justice
“Shenton used his position of trust to groom and sexually exploit young boys for his own gratification,” said Detective Constable Liz McGrath of Hertfordshire’s Historic Child Abuse Investigation Unit.
“Some victims said their teacher admitted his wrongdoing at the time, yet he still continued offending. The impact on the victims has lasted their whole lives. Their courage in coming forward means he finally faces justice.”
Judge Caroline Wiggin described Shenton as “calculating and predatory” and praised the victims for their bravery. She also commended DC McGrath for her outstanding victim care throughout the lengthy investigation.
Support Available for Victims
If you have suffered recent or historical sexual abuse and are not comfortable talking directly to police, Hertfordshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers confidential support. They provide face-to-face counselling, sexual health referrals, and forensic medical exams.
