RONALD HARDMAN'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN KILMARNOCK AIR CADET SQUADRON REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kilmarnock, Ronald Hardman, a former air cadet officer, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a long history of sexual abuse involving multiple young boys. The heinous crimes spanned over an alarming 35-year period, during which Hardman exploited his trusted position within the Kilmarnock Air Training Corps (ATC) to prey on vulnerable cadets.

Hardman, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, was initially convicted in November 2018 of abusing three teenagers. His sentence then was five years, but subsequent investigations uncovered further allegations, leading to additional charges and a more severe penalty. The extensive inquiry involved speaking with over 300 former cadets, many of whom bravely came forward to recount their traumatic experiences at the hands of the now-convicted predator.

The court heard that Hardman used his authority to manipulate and groom a series of young boys, often exploiting moments during routine activities such as uniform fittings. He molested one boy during a uniform fitting session and showed others pornographic magazines, encouraging them to play strip poker. He also coerced some into swimming naked, further abusing his position of trust. To silence his victims, Hardman would often offer them money, sweets, or takeaway meals, attempting to buy their silence and prevent them from speaking out.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, Hardman admitted to 15 charges, including lewd and libidinous conduct and indecent assault. Prosecutor Eoghainn MacLean emphasized the lasting impact of these crimes, stating, “Many of these victims have suffered years of anxiety and trauma as a result of the criminality.”

The abuse took place at various locations, including the squadron hall, a campsite, and the remote Drumness Forest in Dumfries and Galloway. One particularly harrowing account involved a 13-year-old boy who had joined the ATC and was subjected to abuse between 15 to 20 times. Hardman gave this young victim a can of lager and told him that allowing Hardman to touch him would be “good” for his “promotion.”

Another teenager was assaulted during a trip away with the cadet group, with Hardman aided by two other cadets. The court heard that during one such attack, Hardman simply laughed as if everything was normal, showing a complete lack of remorse or concern for the victim’s well-being. The investigation revealed that Hardman also showed boys pornographic magazines, suggested they play strip poker, and coerced them into swimming naked, all while maintaining a facade of normalcy.

Many victims kept their suffering hidden for decades, some feeling ashamed of what had happened. The initial police investigation into Hardman’s activities began around 2004, but it was not until 2017, following a BBC documentary highlighting historical sexual abuse within cadet forces, that renewed efforts led to his conviction. The police’s extensive efforts included interviewing over 300 former cadets, which ultimately resulted in additional charges being brought against Hardman.

Judge Lord Beckett condemned Hardman’s actions, describing them as “pre-meditated” and “grossly corrupting,” and stated that his crimes had “blighted” the lives of his victims. The judge also remarked that Hardman’s conduct “besmirched” the reputation of organizations like the Air Training Corps. Hardman’s nine-year sentence will commence immediately, and he will be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

In a prior related case in August 2019, Hardman was sentenced to five years after being found guilty of similar historic sexual offenses committed at the 327 Squadron in Kilmarnock, where he served for nearly four decades until 1998. During that trial, victims testified through tears about the abuse they endured, which included touching and other sexual misconduct. The court emphasized that Hardman’s abuse occurred when he was in his 40s and 50s, and he was then 73 years old at sentencing. The judge highlighted the lack of remorse and denial from Hardman, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.