John Starkey, aged 74, a former television psychic who appeared on shows such as This Morning, the Paul O’Grady Show, and LBC Radio, has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison. The sentence follows his conviction for sexually assaulting two women during clairvoyant sessions held in Wolverhampton and Llandudno between 2018 and 2022.
Police investigations uncovered forensic evidence that supported the victims’ claims, exposing how Starkey abused his spiritual role to commit these offences.
Deceptive Clairvoyance
Starkey exploited his reputation as a psychic to gain the trust of his victims. He used so-called spiritual cleansing as a cover for his abusive behaviour. One woman was manipulated into believing the assault was part of an “initiation” ritual. She was then coerced into meeting him at a London hotel with the false promise that witches would be present, which enabled further abuse.
Victims’ Ordeal Revealed
One victim described the experience as “like mental torture,” stating she cried for days after resisting Starkey’s advances. The second victim was assaulted in 2022 at Starkey’s shop in Llandudno during a session that was marketed as psychic and massage services. During this session, he forced her to strip to her underwear and physically assaulted her.
Charlatan Exposed In Court
Judge Nicola Jones branded Starkey a “complete charlatan” during sentencing. In addition to the prison sentence, Starkey was given a restraining order preventing any contact with the victims. Despite decades of advertising his psychic expertise and making media appearances, the court revealed his actions as predatory abuse disguised as spiritual guidance.
Evidence Attack
The investigation began after the first victim reported the assault in Wolverhampton in 2018. DNA found on her clothing provided crucial forensic proof. The court heard detailed accounts of both assaults, demonstrating a pattern of exploitation during psychic sessions.
False Promises Of Guidance
Starkey promoted himself as an internationally renowned clairvoyant, offering psychic readings, hand readings, and tarot card sessions online. His website claimed to help people cope, find direction, and achieve “positive pathways” in life. These claims were shattered by his recent conviction for sexual assault.
Originally published by UKNIP.
