Former Teacher and Referee Jailed for 14 Years Over 1990s Child Sex Abuse
Peter Turner, 65, from Eastbourne, has been slammed with a 14-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a young boy in the 1990s. Turner, a former teacher and football referee, abused his trusted positions to carry out the crimes in a school classroom, his office, and his home.
Groomed Family to Hide Sick Abuse
Turner cunningly wormed his way into the boy’s family’s trust to get closer and cover up his vile actions. The assaults happened over several months while he served as a teacher and manager of the school football team.
Victim Speaks Out After Decades
The shocking case only came to light in 2016 when the victim bravely reported the abuse. Police launched a complex investigation, examining over 70 electronic devices seized from Turner’s home. He was charged in 2022 with seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and was found guilty on all counts.
Judge Condemns ‘Betrayal of Trust’
At sentencing, the judge blasted Turner’s actions, saying he had “betrayed the trust” placed in him and caused deep harm to the victim and community. Turner will also be registered as a sex offender for life.
Police Constable Steve Hargrave said: “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.
“Sussex Police takes all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will investigate them fully, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.
“I hope this significant jail sentence provides Peter Turner’s victim with some measure of closure as he looks to move on with his life.”
