A man who falsely claimed to be a psychic has been jailed for sexually assaulting women under the guise of 'spiritual cleansing'. John Starkey, 74, was sentenced to four years and five months at Caernarfon Crown Court on June 12.
Starkey, of Rhodfa'r Grug, Upper Colwyn Bay, called himself an 'internationally renowned clairvoyant' with 40 years of experience. He admitted charges of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
Judge Nicola Jones denounced him as a 'complete charlatan' and condemned his actions as a clear breach of trust. The court heard Starkey used his psychic sessions as a cover to launch the attacks.
He was first investigated by police after a woman reported being sexually assaulted by him in Wolverhampton in 2018. Several months later, he lured the same victim to a London hotel room under false pretence that other clients would be there. Once isolated, he told her to strip naked and assaulted her, falsely claiming it was a twisted 'initiation' for 'spiritual cleansing'.
The second victim was assaulted in October 2022 while on holiday in Llandudno. The young woman, who had an interest in clairvoyance, went to a shop where Starkey was working for a consultation. Starkey told her to undress and then touched her sexually.
Following the assault, Starkey was arrested by police. In mitigation, defence solicitor Robert Fitt said Starkey was of previous good character and suffered from severe health problems, with a remaining life expectancy of three to five years.
Judge Jones sentenced Starkey to four years and five months in prison. He will serve half in custody and the rest on licence. She said he was already subject to notification requirements from the date of his plea, and these would now be indefinite. Restraining orders from contacting the victims were also made. He must also pay a statutory surcharge.
Commenting on the 2022 assault, Judge Jones said: 'There was a clear abuse of trust. She went to you as a professional, for a clairvoyant consultation and clearly relied upon your expertise and knowledge.'
