In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Glyn Davies, 74, was sentenced to an additional 16 months’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse of a young boy. On appearing at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 5 September 2019, the defendant—formerly known by the name Glyn Knowles—pleaded guilty to four counts of indecently assaulting a child under the age of 14. It was reported that Davies committed these “vile” offences between 1985 and 1988 while he was working as a dance and drama teacher in Coulsdon, Croydon.
The investigation established that Davies used his position as the head of a stage school to groom and isolate his victim. The Metropolitan Police reported that the boy, aged between seven and ten at the time, was frequently taken into a separate room during drama classes where the sexual abuse occurred. The prosecution reported that Davies was already serving a six-year sentence at HMP Bure following a 2016 conviction at Isleworth Crown Court for similar offences against another young boy.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the non-recent abuse only came to light after the victim saw media coverage of Davies’ 2016 conviction. Croydon Crown Court heard that the survivor’s life had been “impacted” throughout his teenage and adult years, leading to a total loss of trust in adults. The investigation established that the 16-month sentence handed down in 2019 was ordered to be served consecutively, meaning it was added to the end of his existing six-year prison term.
The Sentencing Judge noted the “gross breach of trust” inherent in a teacher abusing a pupil under the guise of arts education. For his actions in Coulsdon, Davies was condemned for the long-term psychological damage inflicted on his victim. The judge noted that the courage of the survivor in coming forward decades later was the only reason this “predatory” history was fully exposed, ensuring that Davies remained behind bars for a significantly longer period.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Glyn Davies (also known as Glyn Knowles) is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 16 months (Sentenced 5 September 2019), served consecutively to a 6-year term.
- Prison Location: HMP Bure (at the time of sentencing).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Croydon Crown Court following a Metropolitan Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Indecent assault of a boy under 14 (multiple counts across 2016 and 2019).
- Origin: Coulsdon, Croydon, London.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Davies is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny due to his history of serial offending. Due to the nature of his conduct in Coulsdon, which involved using a stage school as a front for grooming and “vile” assaults, his management is a maximum priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his lifetime registration on the Sex Offenders Register and his status as a former teacher ensure he is permanently barred from any future contact with children or educational settings.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Davies must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity, residence, and any name changes (such as his previous use of the name Knowles). Authorities state that his history of targeting boys in Croydon necessitates permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to approach a minor, provide drama or dance instruction, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.