PETER FREEMAN FROM STAMFORD SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community, Peter Freeman, a 72-year-old man from Stamford, Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences committed in Northamptonshire. The case, which spanned over four years of investigation, culminated in a court hearing at Northampton Crown Court that revealed the disturbing details of Freeman's crimes and the profound impact they had on his victims.

According to court records, Freeman was arrested following the courageous testimonies of two women who came forward in 2017, revealing that he had subjected them to sexual abuse decades earlier. These disclosures prompted a thorough investigation by Northamptonshire Police, specifically by their specialized SOLAR team, which handles cases involving rape and serious sexual assault. The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse, leading to Freeman facing multiple charges.

Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking QC detailed the severity of Freeman’s actions during the sentencing hearing. She emphasized that Freeman’s sexual interest in children was deeply ingrained, and his actions had left his victims suffering from severe psychological trauma. The judge highlighted that the emotional scars inflicted by Freeman’s abuse had robbed his victims of their childhoods and caused lifelong suffering.

The court heard that Freeman was initially charged with ten counts of rape against a child under 16 and six counts of indecent assault against a child under 14. These charges stemmed from the allegations made by the two women who bravely came forward in 2017. Further investigations in 2020 led to two additional victims stepping forward, resulting in five more charges of indecent assault against Freeman.

Following an eight-day trial in April, Freeman was convicted of all but one of the charges, specifically acquitted of one count of indecent assault. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his predatory behavior and the danger he posed to children. On September 10, Freeman appeared in court once again for sentencing, where the judge determined that his actions warranted an extended sentence due to the significant risk he posed to the public.

In total, Freeman received nine separate sentences for his offences, all to be served concurrently. This means he will serve an overall extended custodial term of 25 years, with 22 years in prison and an additional three years on licence. The court also stipulated that Freeman must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being eligible to apply for parole. Furthermore, he will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and is permanently barred from working with children, ensuring he cannot pose a threat to vulnerable individuals in the future.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the bravery of victims who come forward to seek justice, even after many years have passed. The community in Northamptonshire and beyond will be watching closely as Freeman begins his lengthy incarceration, which aims to protect others from potential harm and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes.