A self-proclaimed TV psychic described as a “charlatan” has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison for sexually assaulting two women. John Starkey, aged 74, who posed as an “internationally renowned clairvoyant” with 40 years of experience, confessed to charges of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
During the sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Nicola Jones condemned Starkey as a “complete charlatan” and criticized his actions as a significant breach of trust. Starkey, who bragged about his appearances on several television and radio programs, used his psychic sessions as a guise to perpetrate the assaults, according to the court proceedings.
The investigation into Starkey began when a woman reported being sexually assaulted by him in Wolverhampton in 2018. Subsequently, he lured the same victim to a hotel room in London under false pretenses of meeting other clients, where he instructed her to undress and then assaulted her, deceptively claiming it was part of a perverted “initiation” for “spiritual cleansing.”
The second victim, who had an interest in clairvoyance, was attacked by Starkey in October 2022 while seeking a consultation at a shop where he was working in Llandudno. Starkey coerced her into undressing and then sexually touched her, leading to his arrest by the police.
In his defense, Starkey’s lawyer, Robert Fitt, highlighted his client’s previously good character and severe health issues, indicating a limited life expectancy of three to five years. Starkey, residing in Rhodfa’r Grug, Upper Colwyn Bay, North Wales, was sentenced to four years and five months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on license.
Judge Jones imposed indefinite notification requirements on Starkey from the date of his plea, along with restraining orders preventing contact with the victims and a statutory surcharge. Reflecting on the 2022 assault, Judge Jones emphasized the abuse of trust, as the victim sought Starkey’s professional clairvoyant consultation, relying on his expertise and knowledge.