PETER DONOGHUE FROM COLFE AND ELTHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON BOYS NEAR HERSTMONCEUX

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Colfe and Eltham, Peter Donoghue, a 52-year-old teacher associated with Colfe's School, has been sentenced to a total of three years in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting two young boys. The incidents took place at an educational camp located in Windmill Hill, near Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and have brought to light disturbing allegations against the educator.

Donoghue's arrest was made on May 30 of the previous year, shortly after the allegations came to public attention. Neighbors in Eltham reported that he left his residence on Avery Hill Road immediately following the surfacing of the accusations, raising concerns within the community about his whereabouts and the safety of others.

The assaults involved two boys, both aged 11, and occurred during a camp organized in East Sussex. The victims, whose identities have been protected, were subjected to sexual assaults by Donoghue two days prior to his arrest. Despite his denial of the charges, the case proceeded to trial at Lewes Crown Court.

After a thorough legal process, Donoghue was found guilty last month of two counts of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. The court sentenced him today, August 16, to serve three years for each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. This means he will serve the combined sentence in a single period of incarceration.

In addition to his prison sentence, Donoghue has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, a measure that requires him to remain under supervision and comply with strict restrictions. Furthermore, he has been disqualified from working with children, effectively barring him from any future employment or volunteer work involving minors. The case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children from potential predators.