PETER LESTER FROM MARGATE SENTENCED IN PORTSMOUTH FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AND PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the community, Peter Lester, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court. The conviction stems from a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young boy and the possession of a vast collection of indecent images of children.

It all came to light when a 10-year-old boy, who had been on holiday at the Mill Rythe Holiday Resort in Hayling Island, confided in his mother about the abuse he endured at the hands of Lester in February 2008. The revelation prompted immediate action from law enforcement authorities, leading to Lester’s arrest and a thorough search of his residence.

During the police investigation, officers uncovered more than 200 indecent images of children on Lester’s devices. Some of these images depicted children being tortured and subjected to abuse, highlighting the severity and depravity of his actions. When questioned by police, Lester, who was 55 years old at the time, denied any sexual assault on the young boy but admitted to downloading child pornography. He was subsequently released on bail while further investigations continued in June 2008.

However, in August of that year, police returned to Lester’s home in Margate, Kent, and discovered additional indecent images, confirming ongoing criminal activity. The evidence was overwhelming, leading to his conviction and sentencing. Judge Graham White handed down a sentence of Imprisonment for Public Protection, stating that Lester would not be eligible for parole for at least two years. The judge emphasized that Lester could potentially remain incarcerated for the rest of his life, given the gravity of his crimes.

In total, Lester has already served 220 days in prison, which will be credited toward his sentence. Authorities revealed that Lester had learned how to operate a computer while serving his previous sentence for child abuse, raising concerns about his potential for reoffending. Detective Constable Jenny Weaver from Havant police commented on this, saying, “Lester did inform me in interview that he had learned how to use a computer whilst in prison. But obviously not all prisoners will turn the new skill towards crime.”

As part of his ongoing punishment, Lester will remain on license for the rest of his life once released. He is also required to stay on the sex offenders register indefinitely, which entails informing police of his whereabouts at all times and reporting any change of name. Lester’s charges included admitting to sexual activity with a child and possessing 26 counts of indecent images of children, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses and the community’s need for protection.