PETER HAMILTON'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN BRACKNELL, BRADFORD ON AVON, AND YELVERTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through multiple communities, retired teacher Peter Hamilton, known for his connections to Bracknell, Bradford on Avon, and Yelverton, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against young boys. The court proceedings, which took place at Swindon Crown Court, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior spanning over a decade, involving vulnerable pupils from various schools.

Hamilton, aged 58 at the time of sentencing, admitted to a staggering total of 54 charges related to the sexual abuse of boys as young as eight years old. The allegations detailed a long history of manipulation and exploitation, with victims coming forward from different parts of the country, including the towns of Bradford on Avon and Bracknell, as well as Yelverton in Devon. Thirteen former pupils from the Old Ride Preparatory School in Bradford on Avon and six from Lambrook School in Bracknell provided testimonies that contributed to the case, which investigators believe to be the largest of its kind in the county.

Led by Detective Sergeant David Martin, the investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior that had previously gone unpunished due to insufficient evidence. This was the third inquiry into Hamilton's conduct, with earlier investigations failing to produce enough proof to secure a conviction. Prosecutor Don Tait described how Hamilton's reign of terror began shortly after he started teaching at the Old Ride School when he was just 26 years old. His method involved targeting pupils who appeared vulnerable or lonely, often inviting them into his private space under the guise of offering treats or access to his computer.

Once trust was established, Hamilton would escalate his abuse, subjecting the boys to what was described as a 'bravery test game.' This involved running his fingers down the boys' bodies, below their throats, until they told him to stop. The prosecutor explained, “His fingers passed below the boy’s throat and moved down his body, inviting the boy to say stop when his courage ran out.”

Unless the victims resisted, Hamilton's misconduct would intensify, with him performing crude sexual acts or coercing the boys to gratify him. Some victims were forcibly pinned on beds while Hamilton committed serious sexual assaults. One particularly harrowing account involved a boy on his last day at Old Ride School, who described the experience as “incredibly painful,” feeling as if he was going to die, yet Hamilton continued until he achieved his goal. Afterward, Hamilton took the boy to meet his mother, wished him well, and the incident was left unspoken.

Many victims recounted how Hamilton had made them feel special and trusted, only to later realize they had been manipulated into silence. The court heard that some of these offenses occurred in rooms, corridors, and dormitories, often when other teachers were nearby or even banging on doors demanding to know what was happening. Hamilton claimed that he only became aware that his actions were wrong after watching programs about children made by Esther Rantzen, after which he purportedly stopped his abusive behavior.

In 1985, Hamilton moved to a new teaching position in Tavistock, Devon, where he continued his career without incident until his retirement at age 57 in 2001. The court was told of the profound impact his abuse had on his victims, with one victim’s statement revealing that he turned to alcohol and even attempted suicide as he struggled to cope with the trauma. Others shared how the abuse had hindered their ability to form normal relationships, with the scars of their experiences lasting a lifetime.

Judge Thomas Longbotham sentenced Hamilton to eight years in prison for each of seven counts, including buggery, attempted buggery, assault, and gross indecency. The sentences are to run concurrently, and Hamilton will be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. The court’s verdict underscores the gravity of his crimes and the devastating impact on those he exploited, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of such heinous abuse.