PETER MAXWELL FROM DALSTON AND HARRABY SENTENCED FOR SERIAL CHILD ABUSE IN CUMBRIA
| Red Rose Database
Harraby Dalston Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local communities of Dalston and Harraby, Peter Maxwell, aged 67, has been formally convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young boys. Maxwell, who previously served time for similar offences, was employed at Lime House School near Dalston, where he held positions as a caretaker and later as a matron. Despite his criminal history, he was able to secure employment at the school, raising serious concerns about safeguarding procedures at the time.
The recent court proceedings revealed that Maxwell’s criminal activities spanned several years and involved multiple victims. He was found guilty of a disturbing array of charges, including indecent assault, taking and making indecent photographs, incitement to commit gross indecency, and engaging in sexual activities with minors. The court heard that Maxwell admitted to five separate offences related to one boy, and pleaded guilty to a total of 14 charges involving another victim, which included rape and other forms of sexual assault.
As a result of his guilty pleas, Maxwell was sentenced to an indefinite prison term, with a minimum of seven years before he could be considered for parole. The judge described him as a “dangerous” sexual predator, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the threat he posed to the safety of children. The court also noted Maxwell’s prior convictions for sex offences, which included a 12-month prison sentence handed down in 1979.
The investigation into Maxwell’s crimes was initiated after a man came forward, revealing that he had been abused by Maxwell during his time as a pupil at Lime House School. Maxwell’s role at the school involved responsibilities for the welfare of students, which he exploited to target vulnerable children. One victim recounted how Maxwell had lured him in for help after he was bullied, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by the offender.
Detective Inspector Nick Coughlan from the Public Protection Unit of Cumbria Police described the investigation as thorough and comprehensive, particularly concerning historical offences. Officers were able to identify some victims through images found on Maxwell’s computer, while others came forward after reading about his prosecution in the local newspaper, the News & Star. DI Coughlan praised the bravery of the victims, stating, “It highlights how, through the courage of one victim, others found the confidence to speak about their abuse at the hands of this offender. With the support of our trained officers, victims identified via images were able to share their experiences.”
He further explained that Maxwell had exploited families who had already endured traumatic events, using their vulnerabilities to access and abuse their children. The police urged any other victims to come forward, emphasizing that the passage of time does not diminish the possibility of justice. “It doesn’t matter how long ago an offence like this happened. We can still bring cases like this to court,” DI Coughlan stated.
Maxwell, who resides on Ridgemount Road in Harraby, was brought before Carlisle Crown Court, where he faced charges for a total of 24 separate counts. The court’s verdict reflects the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to protect children and hold offenders accountable. Authorities also pointed out that current legislation would now make it highly unlikely for someone with Maxwell’s criminal background to secure employment within a school setting, underscoring the importance of safeguarding measures in place today.
The recent court proceedings revealed that Maxwell’s criminal activities spanned several years and involved multiple victims. He was found guilty of a disturbing array of charges, including indecent assault, taking and making indecent photographs, incitement to commit gross indecency, and engaging in sexual activities with minors. The court heard that Maxwell admitted to five separate offences related to one boy, and pleaded guilty to a total of 14 charges involving another victim, which included rape and other forms of sexual assault.
As a result of his guilty pleas, Maxwell was sentenced to an indefinite prison term, with a minimum of seven years before he could be considered for parole. The judge described him as a “dangerous” sexual predator, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the threat he posed to the safety of children. The court also noted Maxwell’s prior convictions for sex offences, which included a 12-month prison sentence handed down in 1979.
The investigation into Maxwell’s crimes was initiated after a man came forward, revealing that he had been abused by Maxwell during his time as a pupil at Lime House School. Maxwell’s role at the school involved responsibilities for the welfare of students, which he exploited to target vulnerable children. One victim recounted how Maxwell had lured him in for help after he was bullied, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by the offender.
Detective Inspector Nick Coughlan from the Public Protection Unit of Cumbria Police described the investigation as thorough and comprehensive, particularly concerning historical offences. Officers were able to identify some victims through images found on Maxwell’s computer, while others came forward after reading about his prosecution in the local newspaper, the News & Star. DI Coughlan praised the bravery of the victims, stating, “It highlights how, through the courage of one victim, others found the confidence to speak about their abuse at the hands of this offender. With the support of our trained officers, victims identified via images were able to share their experiences.”
He further explained that Maxwell had exploited families who had already endured traumatic events, using their vulnerabilities to access and abuse their children. The police urged any other victims to come forward, emphasizing that the passage of time does not diminish the possibility of justice. “It doesn’t matter how long ago an offence like this happened. We can still bring cases like this to court,” DI Coughlan stated.
Maxwell, who resides on Ridgemount Road in Harraby, was brought before Carlisle Crown Court, where he faced charges for a total of 24 separate counts. The court’s verdict reflects the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to protect children and hold offenders accountable. Authorities also pointed out that current legislation would now make it highly unlikely for someone with Maxwell’s criminal background to secure employment within a school setting, underscoring the importance of safeguarding measures in place today.