Retired Teacher, 87, Admits Sexual Abuse of Two Boys Over Decades
Geoffrey Dolamore’s Shameful Crimes Revealed
Geoffrey Dolamore, an 87-year-old retired teacher from Forest Hill, has confessed to sexually abusing two young boys over several decades. The vile offences, totalling more than 50 incidents, span from the 1970s to recent years. Dolamore, who taught across London and later held a senior role at children’s charities in Greenwich and Lewisham, pleaded guilty to 13 charges at Woolwich Crown Court last month.
Convictions Finally Published After Legal Ban Lifted
Until now, a court-imposed reporting ban kept Dolamore’s convictions under wraps, aiming to protect a different trial involving adult allegations he faced. Those additional charges have since been dropped, clearing the way for full media disclosure. Some dropped claims involved sexual activity with one victim after he turned 16 — acts Dolamore argued were consensual, but prosecutors rejected following his guilty pleas.
Guilty Pleas Accepted, Trial Cancelled
On April 14, prosecutor Katrina Charles told the court that after “lengthy conferences and meetings” with victims, the Crown Prosecution Service accepted Dolamore’s pleas, scrapping the need for trial. The former teacher also admitted to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, with six photos found in his possession.
Judge Signals Immediate Jail Time
“You must expect… that the only reasonable outcome… is that you will be sent to prison immediately,” warned Judge Ben Gumpert KC. “Don’t get your hopes up that this will be a miracle cure, but it can only do you good.”
Although a pre-sentence report was ordered, the judge made it clear this would unlikely affect the sentencing outcome.
Released on Bail Amid Public Outrage
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Dolamore remains free on bail ahead of sentencing in June. This decision has sparked anger among campaigners who demand that serial child abusers be locked up without delay.
Betrayal of Trust Shakes Community
The community reels from the revelations of Dolamore’s offences. A once-trusted figure in education and child welfare, his abuse has devastated lives and shaken confidence in institutions designed to protect children. Authorities have not ruled out more victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
If you or someone you know has been affected by child abuse, help is available from the NSPCC Helpline at 0808 800 5000 or online at www.nspcc.org.uk.
