Peter Frank Hickman

Peter Frank Hickman, an 85-year-old man from Lawdley Road, Coleford, has been sentenced to six years in prison for historical sexual offences committed against a vulnerable child in his care. The case, investigated under Operation Winterkey by the Metropolitan Police, highlights the long arm of justice in addressing non-recent child sexual abuse within institutional settings.

The offences occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, when Hickman held positions of authority as both a Housemaster and Superintendent at children's homes. Specifically, the assaults took place against a boy under the age of 14 who was a resident at a home in Park Road, Beckenham, and later in College Road, Dulwich. On July 26, 2021, Hickman pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to three counts of indecent assault, admitting to abusing the victim on at least 30 separate occasions between December 1965 and November 1972.

The investigation began in 2018 following a third-party allegation of non-recent sexual assault received by Metropolitan Police officers. Operation Winterkey is a dedicated probe into allegations of historical child sexual abuse involving individuals of public prominence or institutions. In May 2018, officers interviewed the victim, who confirmed his willingness to support the investigation. Tragically, the victim passed away in 2021, before Hickman was brought to justice.

Sentencing took place on February 11, 2022, at Bristol Crown Court, where Hickman received a six-year custodial sentence. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life. Detective Constable Simon Rubery, the lead investigator, commented on the case: '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.' Rubery further noted the predatory nature of Hickman's offending and urged any other potential victims to come forward.

This case underscores the Metropolitan Police's commitment to pursuing historical sexual abuse allegations, particularly those involving positions of trust over children. The offences were reported through standard channels, with the investigation handled by specialist teams trained in non-recent abuse cases.