Former Eastbourne teacher and football referee jailed for indecently assaulting young boy
A former teacher and football referee has been jailed after multiple counts of indecent assault on a young boy.
Peter Turner, 65, was described as a “despicable human being” as he was sentenced to 14 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The Eastbourne teacher abused his position to repeatedly assault his victim in multiple locations including the school classroom, his office and home address, over a number of months in the 1990s.
Turner’s offending came to light in 2016 when the victim, aged under 14 when the abuse happened, reported it to the police.
Disclosing sexual abuse is always difficult and I commend the bravery of the victim who came forward to report Turner to the police and had the strength to go through a criminal trial to ensure Turner faces justice for his crimes.
Police Constable Steve Hargrave of Sussex Police added: “I would like to pay testament to the faith and strength shown by the victim to stay committed to this process during the length of this investigation.”
Turner was sentenced on Wednesday 29th November, where HHJ Rennie described Turner as a “despicable human being” who had abused his position as a teacher and manager of the school’s football team to subject his victim to multiple sexual assaults. He said he had also abused the trust placed in him by all parents who send their children to school.
If you or someone you know has suffered abuse, please do not hesitate to contact our specialised Abuse Claims team if you would like to discuss your options for seeking justice and compensation.
