‘Charlatan’ psychic jailed for sexually assaulting women at clairvoyant sessions

John Starkey, 74, claimed to be an ‘internationally renowned clairvoyant’ with 40 years of experience – but was jailed after admitting sexually assaulting two women

A “charlatan” psychic who sexually assaulted two women has been jailed for four years and five months. John Starkey was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court today (Friday).

Starkey, 74, of Rhodfa’r Grug, Upper Colwyn Bay, claimed to be an “internationally renowned clairvoyant” with 40 years of experience. But he was exposed as a sex offender after admitting charges of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.

He had boasted of appearing on a series of major TV and radio programmes. However Judge Nicola Jones branded him a “complete charlatan” and slammed his actions as a clear breach of trust.

Caernarfon Crown Court heard Starkey exploited his psychic sessions as a front to carry out the attacks. He was initially investigated by police after a woman reported being sexually assaulted by him in Wolverhampton in 2018, reports North Wales Live.

Several months later, he enticed the same victim to a London hotel room under the bogus pretence that other clients would be present.

Once alone, he instructed her to strip naked and assaulted her, falsely claiming it was a perverted “initiation” for “spiritual cleansing”.

The second victim was assaulted in October 2022 while on holiday in Llandudno, said Elen Owen, who was prosecuting. The young woman, who had an interest in clairvoyance, visited a shop where Starkey was working for a consultation.

Starkey instructed her to undress, and then touched her sexually. Following the assault, Starkey was arrested by police.

In mitigation, Robert Fitt, who was defending, stated that Starkey had a previous good character and suffered from severe health issues, with a remaining life expectancy of three to five years.

This afternoon, Judge Nicola Jones sentenced Starkey to four years and five months in prison for his crimes. 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 preventing him from contacting the victims were also issued.

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.”