PETER CARTER FROM SAWSTON JAILED FOR MOLESTATION OF TEENAGE BOY IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Sawston, Peter Carter, a 44-year-old physiotherapist, has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy. The incident occurred at Carter's residence on London Road in Sawston, and the court heard how the events unfolded on August 2 of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, Carter, who was married at the time, had invited the teenage boy over for what was described as a 'boys' night in.' This invitation was extended while Carter's wife was away, and the evening was intended to be a casual gathering. A mutual friend was also expected to join them but ultimately did not show up, leaving Carter and the boy alone.

Later that evening, the two changed into casual clothes and moved to Carter's garden, where they entered a hot tub. During their time in the hot tub, the boy consumed four beers, choosing to decline whisky offered to him later, citing concerns that it might impair his judgment. The atmosphere was initially relaxed, and they engaged in conversation for several hours.

After returning to the house, Carter offered the teenager a massage, which was part of the sequence of events leading to the sexual misconduct. The court was told that Carter then went on to sexually touch the boy, an act that caused the teenager significant distress. Despite this, the boy remained at Carter's home until noon the following day, indicating a complex mixture of discomfort and confusion.

Sara Walker, prosecuting, detailed how Carter, who previously worked as a council employee and was also involved in a plumbing business, sexually assaulted the young boy. She emphasized that the victim looked up to Carter and saw him as a role model, with hopes of securing an apprenticeship in plumbing. The betrayal of trust was a central theme in the case, with the judge highlighting the profound impact of Carter's actions.

Judge Jonathan Haworth condemned Carter's behavior, stating, "You sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy who looked up to you and trusted you. He saw you as a role model. He had hopes of an apprenticeship with you as a plumber, and you absolutely broke that trust. You left him asking why he should be your victim."

Carter, who admitted to having engaged in a drunken homosexual encounter when he was 16, insisted that he was happily married and expressed remorse for his actions. His defense lawyer, Mr. Mark Shelley, noted that Carter had the full support of his wife and friends, and presented numerous character references to the court. Shelley acknowledged Carter's understanding that he deserved to serve time but expressed confusion over why he committed the offense.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Carter to nine months in prison. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, a measure that underscores the severity of his misconduct and the court's stance on protecting minors from such abuse.