ADAM AITKEN SHOCKS PETERBOROUGH WITH HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IN ORTON GOLDAHY

In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, Adam Aitken, aged 28, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against children he had gained the trust of. The court proceedings, held at Peterborough Crown Court, revealed a pattern of calculated grooming and abuse spanning several years, beginning as early as 2008.

Adam Aitken, who resides on Kinnears Walk in Orton Goldhay, pleaded guilty to six serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. The court heard how Aitken exploited his relationships with the parents and carers of his young victims to establish a false sense of trust, which he then betrayed through acts of sexual violence. His victims ranged in age from as young as eight to 15 years old, and his methods included taking children on outings, inviting them into his home, and engaging in seemingly innocent activities such as watching films and playing computer games.

The abuse began in 2008 when Aitken sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy during a fishing trip. This was followed by another incident involving a 14-year-old at his residence during a sleepover. Court documents detailed how he would buy sweets and junk food for his youngest victim, who was between eight and ten years old, during sleepovers, only to subject him to sexual assault. The court also heard about the rape and sexual assault of victims aged 12 and 13, as well as disturbing accounts of Aitken showing adult pornography to an 11-year-old boy and engaging in inappropriate games like truth or dare.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Jon McAdam from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Department emphasized the calculated nature of Aitken’s actions. He stated, “Aitken is a calculated and dangerous individual who positioned himself to gain the trust of parents and guardians to abuse children. What is clear from the victim’s accounts was how Aitken would groom them, buying gifts and taking them on holiday, and then sexually abusing them and threatening them into silence.”

The bravery of the victims in coming forward was highlighted by the police, with Detective McAdam expressing hope that the court’s decision would aid their recovery. He also praised the collaborative efforts of social workers and law enforcement in handling the complex investigation, which involved close cooperation to ensure the children’s safety and to gather evidence.

Following his conviction, Aitken was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Authorities have urged anyone affected by similar abuse to contact local law enforcement or support organizations such as the NSPCC, ChildLine, Kidscape, and Survivors UK.

In August 2016, Aitken admitted to multiple sex offences against five children, with ages ranging from eight to 15. He appeared at Peterborough Crown Court via video link from HMP Bedford, where he acknowledged his guilt to charges including raping a 12-year-old boy, sexual activity with minors, and causing a child to watch sexual acts. His pleas covered six counts, with the prosecution accepting them, and sentencing was scheduled for later that month.

Despite his guilty pleas, Aitken denied 12 other charges, which the court deemed acceptable. The judge, Stuart Bridge, ordered a pre-sentence report, indicating that Aitken faces a lengthy prison term, potentially an extended or indeterminate sentence, given the severity of his crimes. Aitken remains in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for August 19, where the court will determine the final punishment for his actions.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and social services to protect vulnerable children from predators like Adam Aitken, whose manipulative tactics and heinous crimes have left a lasting scar on the community of Orton Goldhay and beyond.