PETER HICKMAN SENTENCED IN BRISTOL FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN IN THE UK
A man who served as both Housemaster and Superintendent at children's homes during the 1960s and 1970s has been sentenced to prison for serious sex offences.Peter Frank Hickman, aged 85 and of Lawdley Road, Coleford, was sentenced to six years in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, February 11.
Hickman had previously admitted guilt on July 26, 2021, at Croydon Crown Court to three charges, including indecent assault on a boy under 14.
The assaults occurred on at least 30 occasions between December 1965 and November 1972.
He will also be registered on the sex offenders register for life.
The investigation was initiated in 2018 when officers from the Metropolitan Police's Operation Winterkey received a third-party allegation of historic sexual assault.
Operation Winterkey investigates non-recent child sexual abuse allegations involving individuals of public prominence and institutions.
In May 2018, police contacted the victim, who confirmed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
The abuse took place while the victim was residing in a children’s home on Park Road, Beckenham, and later on College Road, Dulwich, during the 1960s and 1970s.
Detective Constable Simon Rubery, the lead investigator, stated: "Hickman took advantage of a child in his care while in a position of trust and committed atrocious crimes against him on many occasions.
Tragically, the victim passed away last year and will never know that his abuser has been brought to justice.
I would like to commend his bravery for helping to make this possible." He also expressed hope that the prison sentence would encourage others to come forward: "I can only hope that this sentence will give others the courage to report any abuse they have suffered, current or non-recent.
Given the predatory nature of Hickman's offending, there is a possibility he abused other children.
We urge any additional victims to contact police immediately, as a specially trained team of detectives is ready to listen and support you."
