PETER KNIGHT FROM EDGWARE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TWO GIRLS IN HERTFORDSHIRE AND DENMARK
| Red Rose Database
Edgware Rapist
In a case that spanned decades and crossed international borders, Peter John Knight, aged 72, formerly residing in Edgware, was finally brought to justice for heinous sexual offences committed against two young girls during the early 1980s. The crimes, which took place in Hertfordshire and later in Denmark, have left a lasting impact on the victims and have only recently been fully acknowledged and prosecuted.
Knight was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 30 August, after being convicted of multiple serious charges, including the rape of a girl under 16, indecent assault, gross indecency, and attempted rape. The offences occurred during a period from the early 1980s up until December 1983, involving two girls who were related and aged approximately eight and ten at the time. These acts of abuse, which remained hidden for many years, only came to light after the victims found the courage to speak out.
The court heard that Knight, who was employed as a milkman during the time, was considered a trusted figure by the victims’ family. Known to them as 'Uncle Peter,' he would often take the children out for outings and was trusted to read bedtime stories, which made his subsequent abuse even more devastating. The younger victim’s family lived in Hertfordshire, where Knight would visit their home, and he would take advantage of these visits to commit acts of abuse while pretending to tuck her into bed. The older girl, who helped Knight with his milk round on a part-time basis, was also subjected to abuse at his residence in Edgware.
Each time, Knight warned the girls not to tell anyone about what had happened, instilling fear and confusion in the young victims. Unaware of each other's experiences, the girls endured their suffering in silence for years. It was only in December 1985 that one of the victims confided in her mother, expressing her discomfort and revealing that Knight had 'done something naughty' to her. Her sister then disclosed that Knight had behaved inappropriately towards her as well. This revelation prompted the family to contact the police, but by that time, Knight had already fled the country, claiming to colleagues that he was 'in trouble.'
Despite efforts to locate him, police investigations into his whereabouts proved unsuccessful, and the case was temporarily closed. However, in January 2016, the victims, now adults, disclosed the full extent of the abuse during a family dinner, prompting the Metropolitan Police to reopen the case. The investigation led to the discovery that Knight had been living in Denmark since 1986. A European Arrest Warrant was issued in November 2017, and he was subsequently apprehended at his home in Randers. After his arrest, Knight was extradited back to the United Kingdom in November 2018 to face trial.
Following a thorough legal process, Knight was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for his crimes. The case highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of abuse, even when many years have passed. The victims’ bravery in coming forward has finally resulted in accountability for their abuser, and the legal system has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.
Knight was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, 30 August, after being convicted of multiple serious charges, including the rape of a girl under 16, indecent assault, gross indecency, and attempted rape. The offences occurred during a period from the early 1980s up until December 1983, involving two girls who were related and aged approximately eight and ten at the time. These acts of abuse, which remained hidden for many years, only came to light after the victims found the courage to speak out.
The court heard that Knight, who was employed as a milkman during the time, was considered a trusted figure by the victims’ family. Known to them as 'Uncle Peter,' he would often take the children out for outings and was trusted to read bedtime stories, which made his subsequent abuse even more devastating. The younger victim’s family lived in Hertfordshire, where Knight would visit their home, and he would take advantage of these visits to commit acts of abuse while pretending to tuck her into bed. The older girl, who helped Knight with his milk round on a part-time basis, was also subjected to abuse at his residence in Edgware.
Each time, Knight warned the girls not to tell anyone about what had happened, instilling fear and confusion in the young victims. Unaware of each other's experiences, the girls endured their suffering in silence for years. It was only in December 1985 that one of the victims confided in her mother, expressing her discomfort and revealing that Knight had 'done something naughty' to her. Her sister then disclosed that Knight had behaved inappropriately towards her as well. This revelation prompted the family to contact the police, but by that time, Knight had already fled the country, claiming to colleagues that he was 'in trouble.'
Despite efforts to locate him, police investigations into his whereabouts proved unsuccessful, and the case was temporarily closed. However, in January 2016, the victims, now adults, disclosed the full extent of the abuse during a family dinner, prompting the Metropolitan Police to reopen the case. The investigation led to the discovery that Knight had been living in Denmark since 1986. A European Arrest Warrant was issued in November 2017, and he was subsequently apprehended at his home in Randers. After his arrest, Knight was extradited back to the United Kingdom in November 2018 to face trial.
Following a thorough legal process, Knight was convicted and sentenced to 18 years in prison for his crimes. The case highlights the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of abuse, even when many years have passed. The victims’ bravery in coming forward has finally resulted in accountability for their abuser, and the legal system has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.