PETER HAMILTON-LEGGATT FROM HOLSWORTHY SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN DEVON AND BERKSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Holsworthy Child Sexual Abuser
In a harrowing case that has shocked the local communities, retired teacher Peter Hamilton-Leggett, who resided in Old Station Lane, Yelverton, Devon, was found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys over a span of more than a decade. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that began shortly after Hamilton-Leggett started his teaching career at the Old Ride Preparatory School in Bradford on Avon, and later extended to other institutions, including Lambrook School in Bracknell, Berkshire.
During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, some of the victims, now adults, attended to witness the sentencing. The court heard that Hamilton-Leggett, aged 58, admitted to a total of 54 charges involving abuse of boys as young as eight years old. The lengthy process of reading out the charges took over an hour, during which Hamilton-Leggett, dressed in a suit, only confirmed his name. His wife, Pauline, sat nearby, closing her eyes as the court detailed the extent of his depraved acts.
The investigation into Hamilton-Leggett’s conduct, led by Detective Sergeant David Martin, is believed to be the largest of its kind in the county’s history. This was the third inquiry into his misconduct, as previous investigations had failed due to insufficient evidence. The current case uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse spanning from 1970 to 1985, involving thirteen former pupils from Bradford on Avon and six from Bracknell.
Prosecutor Don Tait described how Hamilton-Leggett’s reign of terror began when he was just 26 years old, shortly after he began teaching at the Old Ride School. He targeted vulnerable and lonely pupils, often choosing his favorites and inviting them into his private space under the guise of offering treats or allowing them to play on his computer. These initial acts of trust-building were a prelude to systematic abuse, which included what was described as a 'bravery test game' where he would run his fingers down the boys’ bodies until they told him to stop.
Mr. Tait explained that unless a pupil resisted, Hamilton-Leggett’s behavior would escalate into more serious sexual acts, sometimes involving crude physical assaults or requests for the boys to gratify him. Some victims were forcibly pinned on beds while he committed serious sexual offenses. One particularly distressing account involved a boy on his last day at Old Ride School, who described the experience as incredibly painful, feeling as if he was going to die, yet Hamilton-Leggett continued until he achieved his gratification. Afterward, the teacher simply wished him well and introduced him to his mother, with no further mention of the incident.
Many victims recounted feeling manipulated into believing they were special or trusted, only to be betrayed by the teacher’s actions. Hamilton-Leggett was highly respected and trusted by pupils, parents, and staff alike, which he exploited to carry out his abuse. He also pressured victims to remain silent about their suffering, further compounding the trauma.
Judge Thomas Longbotham, presiding over the case, condemned Hamilton-Leggett’s actions, emphasizing the profound damage inflicted on his victims. The judge highlighted that the defendant had previously denied the allegations during two earlier investigations, which only added to the gravity of his misconduct. He pointed out that Hamilton-Leggett’s abuse was particularly egregious because he targeted vulnerable boys in a boarding school environment and abused a position of trust.
One victim’s statement, read aloud in court, revealed the long-lasting impact of the abuse, including turning to alcohol and even attempting suicide as a way to cope with the trauma. Others shared how the assaults had hindered their ability to form normal relationships, with many stating that the memories would haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Hamilton-Leggett was sentenced to eight years in prison for each of seven counts, including buggery, attempted buggery, assault, and gross indecency. All sentences will run concurrently, and he will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has left a lasting scar on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals in positions of authority.
During the trial at Swindon Crown Court, some of the victims, now adults, attended to witness the sentencing. The court heard that Hamilton-Leggett, aged 58, admitted to a total of 54 charges involving abuse of boys as young as eight years old. The lengthy process of reading out the charges took over an hour, during which Hamilton-Leggett, dressed in a suit, only confirmed his name. His wife, Pauline, sat nearby, closing her eyes as the court detailed the extent of his depraved acts.
The investigation into Hamilton-Leggett’s conduct, led by Detective Sergeant David Martin, is believed to be the largest of its kind in the county’s history. This was the third inquiry into his misconduct, as previous investigations had failed due to insufficient evidence. The current case uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse spanning from 1970 to 1985, involving thirteen former pupils from Bradford on Avon and six from Bracknell.
Prosecutor Don Tait described how Hamilton-Leggett’s reign of terror began when he was just 26 years old, shortly after he began teaching at the Old Ride School. He targeted vulnerable and lonely pupils, often choosing his favorites and inviting them into his private space under the guise of offering treats or allowing them to play on his computer. These initial acts of trust-building were a prelude to systematic abuse, which included what was described as a 'bravery test game' where he would run his fingers down the boys’ bodies until they told him to stop.
Mr. Tait explained that unless a pupil resisted, Hamilton-Leggett’s behavior would escalate into more serious sexual acts, sometimes involving crude physical assaults or requests for the boys to gratify him. Some victims were forcibly pinned on beds while he committed serious sexual offenses. One particularly distressing account involved a boy on his last day at Old Ride School, who described the experience as incredibly painful, feeling as if he was going to die, yet Hamilton-Leggett continued until he achieved his gratification. Afterward, the teacher simply wished him well and introduced him to his mother, with no further mention of the incident.
Many victims recounted feeling manipulated into believing they were special or trusted, only to be betrayed by the teacher’s actions. Hamilton-Leggett was highly respected and trusted by pupils, parents, and staff alike, which he exploited to carry out his abuse. He also pressured victims to remain silent about their suffering, further compounding the trauma.
Judge Thomas Longbotham, presiding over the case, condemned Hamilton-Leggett’s actions, emphasizing the profound damage inflicted on his victims. The judge highlighted that the defendant had previously denied the allegations during two earlier investigations, which only added to the gravity of his misconduct. He pointed out that Hamilton-Leggett’s abuse was particularly egregious because he targeted vulnerable boys in a boarding school environment and abused a position of trust.
One victim’s statement, read aloud in court, revealed the long-lasting impact of the abuse, including turning to alcohol and even attempting suicide as a way to cope with the trauma. Others shared how the assaults had hindered their ability to form normal relationships, with many stating that the memories would haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Hamilton-Leggett was sentenced to eight years in prison for each of seven counts, including buggery, attempted buggery, assault, and gross indecency. All sentences will run concurrently, and he will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has left a lasting scar on the victims and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals in positions of authority.