Eastbourne paedophile teacher jailed for abusing young boy

Peter Turner, aged 65, a former teacher and football referee from Eastbourne, has been convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed in the 1990s. He systematically abused his position of trust to sexually assault a young boy across various locations, including a school classroom, his office, and his residence. Turner also sought to gain closer access to the victim by ingratiating himself with his family, effectively hiding his abusive behavior from the public eye. The investigation was complex, involving the forensic analysis of over 70 electronic devices seized from his home. Turner was charged with seven counts of indecent assault on a boy under 14 and was found guilty on all counts at Hove Crown Court on 3 November 2023. He received a prison sentence of 14 years and will be on the sex offenders’ register for life. The judge described him as a ‘despicable human being’ who exploited the trust of parents and his position as a teacher to commit these predatory acts. Sussex police confirmed the victim’s bravery and expressed hope that the sentence will help provide closure, emphasizing their commitment to investigating historical allegations.