KEITH HAMMERTON SENTENCED IN BATTERSEA FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AT SURREY CHILDREN'S HOME

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Keith Hammerton, a 69-year-old man from Battersea, south London, was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to multiple counts of indecent assault. The crimes took place at a children’s home located in Woking, Surrey, where Hammerton served as a house warden during the period from 1975 to 1981.

Hammerton’s criminal actions involved ten separate counts of indecent assault committed against two teenage boys who were residents at the Surrey County Council-run facility. The court was also informed that he had pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault against a third boy, bringing the total number of victims to three. All of these victims were aged 16 or under at the time of the offenses, highlighting the severity and the breach of trust involved in these crimes.

Surrey Police officials confirmed that Hammerton held a position of significant trust and authority at the now-closed children’s home. The facility was known for housing residents who were often vulnerable, many of whom had encountered legal issues or faced difficulties within their family environments. Despite his role as a caretaker, Hammerton’s conduct was far from supportive or caring. Instead, he engaged in manipulative behaviors that included spending time alone with the boys outside of his official duties, allowing them to smoke, and providing them with alcohol. These actions were part of what authorities described as a grooming process, aimed at gaining the boys’ trust before committing the indecent assaults.

The allegations against Hammerton first surfaced in 1999, but due to the complexity of the case and the need for further evidence, police were unable to pursue prosecution until additional claims emerged in 2004. Detective Sergeant Chris Goodman emphasized the importance of investigating all allegations of indecent assault, regardless of how much time had passed, stating, “Any allegation of indecent assault, no matter how historic, will be properly investigated.”

In addition to the charges related to the assaults, Hammerton also admitted to failing to appear in court when required, specifically neglecting to attend a previous hearing while on bail. Despite his guilty pleas, two further charges—one of serious sexual assault and another of perverting the course of justice—were left on file, indicating ongoing concerns about his conduct and the case’s complexity.

The sentencing marks a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from individuals who abuse positions of trust. The case has also reignited discussions about the need for rigorous oversight and accountability within institutions responsible for caring for at-risk youth.