ROBERT BUCKLEY SENTENCED IN HODDESDON FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a case that has spanned decades, Robert Buckley, a 76-year-old man from Upper Marsh Lane in Hoddesdon, has been sentenced to four years in prison following his conviction for a historic sexual assault involving a young girl. The incident, which took place in the summer of 1985, was not immediately known to authorities and only came to light over three decades later.

Buckley, who was at the time serving as deputy head teacher at Sheredes Primary School, was found guilty of one count of indecent assault on a child. The victim, who was under ten years old at the time, was assaulted outside of school premises, although Buckley’s position at the school and his proximity to children made the case particularly disturbing. The assault did not occur on school grounds, but Buckley's role as an educator and his subsequent actions have cast a long shadow over his career.

Following his departure from Sheredes Primary School in the mid-1990s, the crime remained undisclosed until 2018, when the now adult victim, in her 40s, reported the incident to police. This revelation prompted a thorough investigation, which was supported by the staff and administration of Sheredes Primary School, highlighting the seriousness with which the case was treated.

After a detailed inquiry, Buckley was arrested and charged with the offence. The investigation also uncovered that he had been involved in community activities, notably serving as a volunteer with the Boys’ Brigade in Hoddesdon. Once the allegations surfaced, Buckley was immediately suspended from the organization, and his membership was revoked following his conviction earlier this year.

At Huntingdon Crown Court in Cambridgeshire, Buckley was formally sentenced to four years in prison, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of historic abuse. The case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse, regardless of how much time has passed, and highlights the ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable, even decades after the crimes occurred.