PETER NEWELL CHILDREN'S RIGHTS ACTIVIST FROM WOOD GREEN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE 1960S

In a case that has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about past misconduct, Peter Newell, a well-known children’s rights advocate from Wood Green, North London, has been sentenced to a prison term of six years and eight months for sexually abusing a young boy during the 1960s. The sentencing took place last month at Blackfriars Crown Court, where Newell, aged 77, admitted to committing five separate acts of indecent and serious sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16.

Newell’s background includes his role as the former co-ordinator of the charity known as the Association for the Protection of All Children, commonly referred to as Approach. This organization is dedicated to preventing cruelty and maltreatment of children, aiming to raise awareness both within the United Kingdom and internationally. Approach’s mission emphasizes safeguarding children from physical punishment and other forms of harm, whether these occur inside or outside the home. The charity operates through initiatives such as the Children Are Unbeatable! Alliance in the UK and the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children.

It is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that the charity was aware of Newell’s misconduct, which reportedly took place before he was employed by the organization. In 2015, Approach made headlines by lodging a complaint with Europe’s leading human rights authority against France and six other EU nations, criticizing their failure to explicitly prohibit smacking children. During his tenure, Newell was listed as the co-ordinator in the charity’s official accounts on the Charity Commission’s website. However, the most recent documents indicate that he stepped down from this role in May 2016.

Financial records reveal that between 2012 and 2016, Approach received substantial funding from prominent organizations such as NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Save the Children, and Unicef, along with contributions from international partners and private donors. The 2017 accounts show a shift, with the charity only receiving funds for its overseas projects, and no contributions from the aforementioned organizations. It is believed that none of Approach’s funders were aware of Newell’s criminal actions, which were only uncovered after police investigations.

According to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, the offences committed by Newell first came to their attention in March 2016. The police confirmed that the abuse began when the victim was just 12 years old. The assaults took place over a period spanning from 1965 to 1968, at various addresses and locations across south and east England, including London. Newell pleaded guilty on January 2nd to two counts of serious sexual assault, which occurred between May 1966 and May 1968, as well as three counts of indecent assault committed between May 1965 and May 1968. The case highlights a tragic chapter from the past, with the perpetrator now held accountable for his actions, and raises ongoing questions about safeguarding and oversight within organizations dedicated to protecting children.