A man who claimed to be a clairvoyant on daytime television has been sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting two women during tarot card readings. John Starkey, 74, told one victim in her 20s that she required a 'spiritual cleansing' that involved removing her clothes before attacking her. He then assaulted a holidaymaker at his shop in Llandudno, North Wales, after instructing her to strip down to her underwear.
Court Proceedings
At Caernarfon Crown Court, Starkey, from Upper Colwyn Bay, admitted three sexual assault charges. He pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a female aged 13 or over with penetration between April and October 2018, and two counts of sexual assault by touching in December 2018 and October 2022. He was sentenced to four years and five months in prison.
Details of the Assaults
The court heard that the first victim, a woman in her 20s, attended two readings with Starkey. Initially, he sexually assaulted her in Wolverhampton. Later, he convinced her she had a 'gift for tarot card reading' and promised to connect her with a 'witch,' luring her to a 'gathering' in London. Instead, she was taken to a hotel room where Starkey, wearing only boxer shorts and a robe, touched her while she was in her underwear. Although she reported the incident to police, no charges were filed at that time.
Four years later, in October 2022, Starkey assaulted a second woman who visited his Llandudno shop for a clairvoyant consultation. The topic of 'aura cleansing' arose, and a massage was suggested. The prosecutor, Elen Owen, stated that the woman was told to undress to her underwear before the assault occurred. Police were alerted after this incident.
Defense and Sentencing
Robert Fitt, defending, noted that Starkey had been given a life expectancy of three to five years and had worked as a clairvoyant since 1969, describing the offenses as 'very much out of character.' However, Judge Nicola Jones highlighted the abuse of trust and 'significant degree of planning' involved. Despite acknowledging Starkey's 'significant life-limiting physical health problems,' she imposed a custodial sentence.
The judge also issued indefinite notification requirements and restraining orders prohibiting contact with the victims. Starkey 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.'
