Former Housemaster and Superintendent Jailed for Sex Offenses

Peter Frank Hickman, 85, of Lawdley Road, Coleford, was sentenced to six years in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, February 11, for sex offenses committed in the 1960s and 1970s.

On July 26, 2021, Hickman pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to three counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, which occurred at least 30 times between December 1965 and November 1972.

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

The investigation began in 2018 when officers from the Metropolitan Police's Operation Winterkey received an allegation of non-recent sexual assault. Operation Winterkey focuses on investigating allegations of historical child sexual abuse involving individuals of public prominence and institutions.

The victim, who passed away last year, confirmed his willingness to participate in the investigation in May 2018. The offenses were committed against him while he was a resident at a children's home located in Park Road, Beckenham, and later at College Road, Dulwich, during the 1960s and 1970s.

Detective Constable Simon Rubery, the investigating officer, stated, "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 offenses, authorities believe there is a possibility he abused other children. They urge any additional victims to contact the police immediately. A specially trained team of detectives is available to provide support and listen to any reports of abuse.