Former Watford man jailed for historic child sex offences

A former Watford man was jailed at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday (19 April), in connection with a series of non-recent child sex offences.

Colin McKissock, aged 70, who now lives in Northampton, was sentenced to 16 years in prison, having previously been found guilty of 13 counts of sexual abuse against two victims.

He was also given two years’ additional licence, a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

The offences included 11 counts of sexual assault/indecency against a boy aged between 11 and 13 and two counts of sexual assault on a girl aged under 14, which occurred at McKissock’s former home in Watford during the 1990s.

A disclosure was made to police by one of the victims in March 2018, after McKissock was jailed in connection with separate child sexual offences, committed against two female victims in Scotland during the 1980s.

McKissock denied the new allegations against him throughout but, following a two-week trial, he was convicted on Friday 4 February.

Investigator Trevor Acors, who led the case, said: “McKissock has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions and cruelly put his victims through a trial. Though nothing will ever make up for his despicable crimes, I am pleased with the sentence handed down.

“I’d like to thank the victims for coming forward, as I know it would have taken great courage to relive their ordeals all over again. I’d also like to thank his previous victim for once again giving evidence, to help secure this conviction.

“I hope this case reassures people that we will always do our utmost to bring sex offenders to justice, no matter how long ago an offence occurred. If you have been affected, please reach out. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support. The centre can arrange face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them. This service is open to everyone – men, women and young people, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

To contact Herts SARC, call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 178 4448, contact them via email or visit the SARC website (opens in a new window).