Peter Hickman
(Picture: Metropolitan Police)A former Barnardo’s boy died months before a principal was jailed for sexually abusing him at two south London children’s homes more than 50 years ago.
Friends said the retired hospital porter, 64, battled cancer so he could see Peter Hickman finally face justice over the “atrocious” offences.
Hickman, 85, started preying on the victim – named John – when he was just nine and had learning difficulties in December 1965.
He carried out sex attacks in the child’s bedroom more than 60 times over seven years, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Hickman, of Lawdley Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire admitted indecent assault and gross indecency.
On Friday, he was jailed for six years and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Hickman worked as a housemaster and later a superintendent at the charity’s Llanfair home in Park Road, Beckenham and St John’s Wood House in College Road, Dulwich.
In 2018, officers from the Met’s Operation Winter Key, an overarching investigation into historic abuse, received a third-party allegation.
John, from Lewisham, was traced and confirmed his willingness to help build a case against Hickman.
But he died from complications caused by his cancer treatment in June 2021.
A woman, who acted as John’s appropriate adult in police interviews, told the Standard: “It was incredibly difficult and painful for him to say what had happened half a century ago.
“Even as a small child, he knew what Mr Hickman did was wrong and had the courage to say ‘no’ to a certain point.
“John grew up to be a brilliant chap, kind and trusting, but it affected him his whole life and ran deep.
“After speaking to the police, he said he wanted Hickman to ‘face what he had done’.
“Despite the cancer, John was waiting for the sentencing date. It’s very sad that after 50 years, this part of his story will remain unresolved.”
John was placed in care because his family were unable to cope with his learning difficulties but they had reunited recently.
He had a small funeral where friends spoke of how he “enriched their lives”, the appropriate adult said.
Police believe paedophile Hickman also abused children at Barnardo’s homes in Sussex, Essex and Kent before he was dismissed in 1974.
Detective Constable Simon Rubery, who led the investigation, said: “Hickman took advantage of a child in his care and committed atrocious crimes against him on many occasions.
“Tragically, the victim died 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 his sentence will give others the courage to come forward and report any abuse they have suffered, current or historic.
“Given the predatory nature of Hickman’s offending, there is a possibility that he abused other children.
“We urge any further victims to contact police right away – a specially trained team of detectives are ready to listen and support you.”
A Barnardo’s spokesperson added: “The victim in this case has shown tremendous bravery.
“We would like to commend him for his courage in helping to bring the perpetrator to justice. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“The safeguarding of children and young people is of paramount importance to Barnardo’s and we strongly condemn the actions of this man.
“We are appalled by the crimes that were committed against the victim whilst in our care.
“We have rigorous and robust procedures in place to ensure the safeguarding and protection of children and have co-operated fully with police throughout this investigation.”
Anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault and rape or has information about an offender, can contact police on 101.
Further information, visit: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/
