Sean McNally, the Calderdale Paedophile, was convicted of sexually abusing a youngster and subsequently using the child’s faith by coercing him to pledge to God that he would remain silent has received a three-year prison sentence.
Sean McNally, 71 (DOB 30/12/1952), from Todmorden, Calderdale, admitted guilt to five sexual crimes against the same victim, which transpired between 1973 and 1976 when he served as the organ teacher and choir master at St Peter’s Church in Hersham.
Sean McNally entered a guilty plea to two charges of indecency with a minor and three charges of indecent assault on a male individual during a prior hearing in July 2024. Two of the accusations encompassed around 40 instances of physical contact and indecent assault against the victim, who was between 10 and 13 years old and a pupil of McNally at the time.
During the three period, the victim was subjected to frequent sexual abuse by Sean McNally, who also groomed him into believing he was special, that he was being taken on special trips, educated about “secret societies”, and given tutorship on the organ. McNally would then play on the victim’s faith, making him swear to God that he would never tell anyone about the abuse.
Sean McNally was sentenced when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court yesterday (30 September).
Investigating Officer Emily Nurcombe from the North Surrey Child Abuse Department, said: “Firstly, I must pay tribute to the victim, who found the courage and confidence to come forward and report the abuse he had suffered during his childhood as an adult after years of therapy. I hope the fact that McNally is now behind bars will help him start to come to terms with the abuse he suffered and enable him to begin rebuilding his life.
“Sean McNally used his position of trust as the organ master at the church to groom his victim, making him feel like he was special, in order to abuse him on multiple occasions. He would then use the victim’s faith to ensure he didn’t tell anyone he was being abused.
“We will always investigate allegations of non-recent sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. We would urge anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward and report it – you will be listened to, you will be believed and you will be supported.”
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