PETER WALLACE READING BOATMAN AND SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR 11 YEARS

In August 2005, a man named Peter Wallace, who was well-known in Reading for his work as a marine expert, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses. Wallace, who had a notable career working on renowned Hollywood films such as James Bond and Indiana Jones, had managed to maintain a successful professional image for over 25 years. However, behind this façade, he concealed a disturbing and heinous secret that would eventually lead to his downfall.

During the sentencing at Reading Crown Court, two of Wallace’s victims, who had endured unimaginable trauma, watched from the courtroom gallery. Their suffering was poignantly highlighted when one of them expressed the depth of her pain, stating, “It’s almost easier to suffer death.” The court heard that Wallace, a former owner of Caversham Boat Services and a resident of Fry’s Island, had systematically abused these women over a period of time. Prosecutor David Robinson detailed how Wallace used gifts and bribes to groom his victims, silencing them and maintaining control over their lives.

Robinson emphasized the profound psychological damage inflicted, noting, “Their words show the deep psychological pain and damage.” In emotional statements read aloud in court, one woman described her terror, saying, “I cannot explain the terror I felt. I am totally consumed with my thoughts and feelings. I lost the will to stand up and be counted.” The other victim revealed her ongoing suffering, stating, “I don’t sleep more than three to four hours a night, and when I am awake, I continue to see his face, the face of a monster. My anger is so great. I dread what the future holds. I feel lost and trapped in a black tunnel of hurt and pain.”

Wallace, who had been arrested in February, initially provided police with evasive and misleading statements. He admitted to two counts of rape, eight counts of indecent assault, one sexual assault, and another serious sexual offence. His defense lawyer, John Riley, acknowledged the gravity of the situation but highlighted that Wallace had shown some acceptance of responsibility, stating, “There was a progression of acceptance that led to the guilty pleas, and by his guilty plea, he accepted his responsibility — an enormous step.” Riley also mentioned that Wallace had begun a journey of self-awareness and was seeking appropriate treatment.

However, Judge Zoe Smith was clear in her assessment of Wallace’s character and actions. She described him as controlling and violent, noting that he had used threats to maintain his dominance over his victims. While she acknowledged his guilty pleas as a mitigating factor, she criticized him for failing to fully accept responsibility and for not appreciating the devastating impact of his crimes on those he harmed. The judge emphasized that Wallace’s actions had caused significant and lasting trauma.

As part of his sentence, Judge Smith ordered Wallace to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from working with children. She also pointed out that his guilty pleas had spared his victims from the ordeal of giving evidence in court, which could have further traumatized them. Wallace’s sentencing marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for his victims and served as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers posed by individuals who appear outwardly respectable but conceal darker secrets.