Former children’s home worker jailed for sexually abusing Lewisham boy in care

An 85-year-old man who was in charge of children’s homes in Beckenham and Dulwich has been jailed for sexual abuse – but his victim died before seeing his abuser face justice.

Peter Frank Hickman of Lawdley Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire sexually abused the victim in Beckenham and Dulwich during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Hickman worked as a housemaster and later a superintendent in Llanfair home in Park Road, Beckenham and St John’s Wood House in College Road, Dulwich; and was sacked by the charity in 1974.

He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, February 11 to six years’ imprisonment.

On July 26, 2021 at Croydon Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, committed in the victim’s bedroom, between December 1965 and November 1972 and indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16, on at least 30 occasions, between December 1965 and November 1972.

He also pleaded guilty to gross indecency on a boy under the age of 14, on at least 30 occasions, between December 1965 and December 1970.

He will be placed on the sex offenders register for life. 

But police have said that the victim, who lived in Lewisham, did not live to see Hickman face justice.

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.”

Police also said that because of the predatory nature of Hickman’s offending, there is a possibility that he abused other children.

They are urging any further victims to contact police immediately, saying that a specially trained team of detectives is ready to listen and give support.

In 2018, officers from the Met’s Operation Winterkey, which investigate allegations of historical child sexual abuse involving people of public prominence and/or institutions, received a third party allegation of sexual abuse. 

In May 2018, the officers spoke to the victim who then helped the police with their investigation.

A Barnardo’s spokesperson said: “The victim in this case showed tremendous bravery in helping to bring the perpetrator to justice and it is tragic that he passed away before this case was concluded.  

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time.  

“The safeguarding of children and young people is of paramount importance to Barnardo’s and we strongly condemn the actions of this individual. We are appalled by the crimes that were committed against the victim whilst in our care.  

“We have rigorous and robust procedures in place to ensure the safeguarding and protection of children and have co-operated fully with police throughout this investigation.” 

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).

Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on the Met’s website.