A man who was in charge of children’s homes both as a Housemaster and Superintendent in the 60s and 70s has been jailed for sex offences.

Peter Frank Hickman, 85, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday to six years’ imprisonment.

On Monday, July 26 2021 he pleaded guilty to the following offences at Croydon Crown Court:

- Indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, committed in the victim’s bedroom, between December 1965 and November 1972;

- Indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, on at least 30 occasions, between December 1965 and November 1972;

- Gross Indecency on a boy under the age of 14, on at least 30 occasions, between December 1965 and December 1970.

Hickman, of Lawdley Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire, will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In 2018, officers from the Met’s Operation Winterkey received a third party allegation of non-recent sexual assault.

Operation Winterkey investigate allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving people of public prominence and/or institutions.

In May 2018, the officers spoke with the victim who confirmed his willingness to engage with the investigation.

The offences were committed against the victim whilst he was resident in a children’s home located in Park Road, Beckenham and later located in College Road, Dulwich during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Detective Constable Simon Rubery, the investigating officer, said: "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 died last year and he will never know that his abuser has been brought to justice.

"I would like to commend his bravery for helping to make this possible.

“I can only hope that this sentence will give others the courage to come forward and report any abuse they have suffered, current or non-recent.

“Given the predatory nature of Hickman’s offending, there is a possibility that he abused other children.

"We urge any further victims to contact police right away – a specially trained team of detectives are ready to listen and support you.”

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 (999 in an emergency).

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