PETER THOMPSON CHELTENHAM SEX OFFENDER AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In November 2010, a man from Cheltenham named Peter Thompson was involved in a case that drew significant attention due to the nature of his offenses and the legal proceedings that followed. Thompson, aged 46 at the time, faced charges related to the indecent assault of a young girl who was only 13 years old when the incidents occurred nearly a decade earlier.

Thompson's case was heard at Gloucester Crown Court, where Judge William Hart presided over the proceedings. During the hearing, the judge made it clear that a custodial sentence would not serve any meaningful purpose in this particular case. Instead, he opted for a different approach aimed at rehabilitation and public safety.

Judge Hart sentenced Thompson to a three-year rehabilitation order, emphasizing that the primary goal was to prevent further offenses and to assist the offender in addressing his behavior. The judge stated, “I would rather stop you getting into further trouble and protect the public by ordering you to complete the Thames Valley sex offenders’ programme.” He further explained that this program was demanding and designed specifically to prevent individuals like Thompson from reoffending.

He warned Thompson that failure to comply with the program or any breach of the conditions could result in a return to court and a subsequent prison sentence. The judge underscored the importance of the offender’s cooperation in the rehabilitation process.

Thompson, who resided on Ladysmith Road in Oakley, admitted to two charges of indecent assault on the same girl, with the incidents taking place between October 2000 and October 2001. His guilty plea was entered at the last minute on the day scheduled for his trial earlier that year. The court was informed that three additional charges, which Thompson denied, were left unprosecuted and remained on the court record.

The case came to light when the victim, now 22 years old, confided in her mother about the assaults, prompting an investigation. Prosecutor James Cranfield detailed that the first assault occurred when Thompson and the girl were alone in a house, and she had just come from the bathroom. According to Cranfield, “He entered the bathroom and attempted to put his hands down her trousers.”

On a subsequent occasion, Thompson undid the girl’s jeans and placed his hand inside her clothing, further aggravating the offense. The court was also informed that Thompson had no prior convictions related to similar offenses.

During the hearing, Thompson’s defense lawyer, Jason Taylor, stated that since the incidents, Thompson had maintained contact with the girl, but no further inappropriate contact had taken place. Taylor highlighted Thompson’s struggles with mental health issues, including low self-esteem and confidence, but noted that Thompson recognized his wrongdoing and pleaded guilty to avoid causing the girl additional trauma by testifying.

He also mentioned that Thompson’s mother was seriously ill and that his participation in the Thames Valley sex offenders’ program would be beneficial. The probation report supported this view, suggesting Thompson was a suitable candidate for the program.

Judge Hart acknowledged the impact of the offenses on the victim but also recognized the significance of Thompson’s guilty plea, which he described as “very important to her.” However, the judge pointed out that Thompson’s admission, while courageous, was not made at the earliest opportunity, and expressed concern about his continued interest in pubescent girls. The court concluded that without intervention, Thompson could remain a risk to young girls.

As part of his sentence, Thompson was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for five years, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions and the potential risk he posed to the community.