PETER STEWART GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CANTERBURY AND HAMPSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Canterbury and Hampshire, Peter Stewart, a former church worker from Canterbury, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolboy over a decade ago. The incident took place during the 1990s when Stewart was serving as a pastoral assistant, responsible for overseeing children during religious courses. The court heard that Stewart, who is now 39 years old and residing in Hampshire, used his position of authority to groom and manipulate the young victim.

Stewart was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court on four counts of indecent assault. The court's decision came after a detailed trial that revealed disturbing details of Stewart’s misconduct. The judge, Adele Williams, ordered Stewart to be remanded in custody until September, pending the preparation of probation reports, as he awaits sentencing.

During the proceedings, the court was also informed of disciplinary actions Stewart faced at his current primary school position, where he has been suspended due to allegations of inappropriate behavior with other children. Prosecutor John Keal emphasized that Stewart’s misconduct extended beyond the court case, highlighting a pattern of troubling behavior involving young children.

The allegations against Stewart stem from incidents involving a young boy who attended confirmation classes in Canterbury. The victim recounted how Stewart exploited his authority to encourage physical contact, including touching and kissing. The court heard that Stewart had invited the boy to his home near the Simple Simon Pub in Canterbury, where he pressured him into participating in sexual play. Stewart used emotional blackmail, telling the boy that if he trusted him, he should prove it by kissing him.

The victim believed the initial kiss was a one-time event, but Stewart continued to take him into the church’s toilets during confirmation classes. On one occasion, in a prayer room alone with Stewart, the boy was asked if he was 'turned on' by kissing, and Stewart indecently touched him. The boy explained that he later told Stewart he was uncomfortable with kissing, but Stewart manipulated the situation by splitting the group into pairs and arranging for the boy to be alone with him in a resource room, where further inappropriate conduct occurred.

The victim described feeling pressured to continue trusting Stewart, who repeatedly asked if he trusted and loved him, culminating in Stewart asking him to prove his trust through a kiss. The boy testified that he initially thought the act was a one-off but later realized the extent of Stewart’s misconduct. The only other known meeting between the two after the initial incidents was when the victim attended a production of Oklahoma in London.

Stewart denied any ongoing sexual relationship with the schoolboy, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. The court’s verdict, however, confirmed his guilt on four counts of indecent assault, bringing a measure of justice for the victim and the community. The case has raised concerns about safeguarding and the abuse of authority within religious and educational settings in Canterbury and Hampshire.