SENIOR Jehovah's Witness John Pickrell is to undergo a sex offenders treatment programme.Pickrell, 48, of Cedarcroft Road, Ipswich, was ordered to undergo treatment by a judge at Ipswich Crown Court.
SENIOR Jehovah's Witness John Pickrell is to undergo a sex offenders treatment programme.
Pickrell, 48, of Cedarcroft Road, Ipswich, was ordered to undergo treatment by a judge at Ipswich Crown Court.
His Honour Judge Nicholas Beddard also ordered the senior religious figure to serve three years community rehabilitation.
Pickrell had been convicted of two counts of indecent assault in an earlier hearing at the court.
Both offences were carried out on young girls about 20 years ago.
Character witnesses from the Jehovah's Witness community spoke in glowing terms of Pickrell's good character.
They described his as an affectionate man who would greet friends with hugs and kisses.
Pickrell claimed one of the offences stemmed from just such a display of friendship.
He admitted kissing one of the victims on the lips and tickling her bottom, but claimed it was entirely innocent.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here