Jailed for abusing boy 50 years ago

A former children’s home boss who sexually abused a boy half a century ago has been jailed for six years.

Peter Frank Hickman, 85, carried out a series of predatory attacks on the lad after creeping into his bedroom between December 1965 and November 1972.

Hickman indecently assaulted the boy on at least 30 occasions, at a children’s home located in Park Road, Beckenham and another in College Road, Dulwich, southeast London.

Detectives from the Met Police’s Operation Winterkey investigated the historic allegations involving Hickman in 2018 and spoke to the victim.

He confirmed in interview how he had been targeted by the pervert over a seven year period while a resident at the homes.

Hickman was employed both as a Housemaster and Superintendent when he targeted the boy, Croydon Crown Court.

But his victim died last year and he will never know his abuser has finally been brought to justice.

Hickman, of Coleford, Gloucestershire, admitted two charges of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16 and gross Indecency on a boy under the age of 14.

He was jailed for six years and placed on the sex offenders register for life at Bristol Crown Court.

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.’
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