PETER HEDGE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN PUDSEY, QUEENSBURY, AND THORNBURY LEAD TO LONGER SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Pudsey, Queensbury, and Thornbury, Peter Hedge, a former vicar, has seen his prison sentence significantly increased after admitting to additional acts of sexual abuse against young boys. The 51-year-old, who was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2009, now faces an even longer incarceration following his latest admissions.

Hedge's criminal history is deeply troubling. In 2009, a jury at Bradford Crown Court convicted him of raping and sexually abusing six young boys over a period spanning the 1990s and early 2000s. The court heard that Hedge, who was then serving as the curate at St Margaret’s Church in Thornbury, used his position of trust to exploit vulnerable children. His crimes extended beyond that initial period, as he continued to target boys after becoming the vicar at Holy Trinity Church in Queensbury.

Prosecutor Sophie Drake revealed that one of the two new complainants had initially been interviewed during the police investigation but chose not to disclose the abuse at that time, wanting to move on with his life. However, in 2011, this individual contacted authorities and disclosed that Hedge had sexually assaulted him on three separate occasions. The abuse reportedly began in the 1990s, with Hedge using substances such as cannabis and alcohol to manipulate and corrupt his victims. One of the victims, who was 15 at the time, was paid £200 by Hedge to keep quiet about the repeated assaults.

Further allegations emerged when another man came forward last year, accusing Hedge of repeated abuse. This second complainant also claimed that Hedge introduced him to cannabis, which he became addicted to as a result of Hedge’s influence. Hedge pleaded guilty in June to charges including buggery, indecent assault, and indecency with a child concerning one of the new victims. Yesterday, he admitted additional offences of rape, indecency with a child, and indecent assault related to the second victim.

Judge Peter Benson, presiding over the case, sentenced Hedge to an additional five years in prison. In his remarks, the judge expressed profound disappointment and condemnation, stating, “The parents of those boys trusted you to care for their children and keep them safe and indeed set an example of Christian conduct. Instead of that, you abused that trust in the most dreadful ways imaginable.”

Hedge’s criminal activities have resulted in him being subject to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, and he is now required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. The case has left a lasting scar on the communities of Pudsey, Queensbury, and Thornbury, where Hedge’s actions have shattered the trust placed in him as a religious leader.

Earlier, in October 2009, Hedge was already sentenced to 14 years after being found guilty of raping two young boys and sexually assaulting others. The court heard that Hedge, born in Rotherham and a former Oxford University chemistry scholar, had used his religious authority to exploit boys at his home in Thornbury and at his residence in Queensbury. The judge described Hedge’s actions as “calculated and systematic abuse,” emphasizing the extent of his wickedness and the damage inflicted upon his victims.

Detective Sergeant Linda Christie from West Yorkshire Police’s child and public protection unit expressed relief at the verdict, stating, “We are pleased with today’s verdict and hope it brings some closure to the victims of Peter Hedge. He abused his position of trust as a vicar and committed horrendous acts of abuse against vulnerable boys who trusted him.”

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, issued a statement condemning Hedge’s actions, highlighting the betrayal of trust by a man who was supposed to uphold the highest moral standards. He acknowledged that Hedge’s continued abuse, even after previous allegations, was a profound betrayal of the community’s faith and trust. The bishop also expressed his thoughts and prayers for the victims, praising their courage in coming forward and giving evidence against Hedge, despite the trauma they endured.