CHELTENHAM MAN RUSSELL PEACOCK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN CHELTENHAM
In a case that has shocked the community of Cheltenham, Russell Peacock, a 41-year-old man from Princess Elizabeth Way, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of a disturbing child sex offence.The incident took place during a visit to a family’s home in Cheltenham on November 22nd, 2013, and involved the abuse of an eight-year-old girl, which Peacock was accused of inciting her to perform sexual acts.
Peacock’s trial concluded with a majority verdict of 10-2 in favor of guilt, and the jury’s emotional response was evident as they returned their verdict after a lengthy deliberation of three and a half hours.
Several jurors appeared visibly distressed by the case, and none chose to remain for the sentencing hearing.
Judge Euan Ambrose addressed the jury, acknowledging the emotional toll of such cases, and assured them that their duty was complete, allowing them to leave if they wished.
The court heard that Peacock had met the girl’s family at a pub in Cheltenham, where he had been drinking heavily throughout the day.
The family then invited him back to their home, where the alleged abuse occurred.
According to the prosecution, Peacock sat on a sofa with the girl, who sat beside him and pulled a blanket over both of them.
It was during this time that Peacock is accused of exposing himself, getting the girl to touch his genitals, and rubbing it against her leg over her pajamas.
The girl immediately confided in her mother about what had happened, prompting her to confront Peacock.
When he denied the allegations, the mother brought the girl back into the room and asked her to repeat the incident in front of Peacock, which she did.
Peacock was reported to have fallen to his knees, denying the accusations and pleading with the family not to involve the police.
During his trial, Peacock insisted that he had never engaged in any sexual contact with the girl, claiming that he had only played and cuddled with her as he would with his own daughter.
He described the moment his family confronted him, saying, “My head just melted,” and admitted he could not recall the exact details of the conversation.
When asked if there was any truth to the allegations, Peacock firmly responded, “Not in a million years,” emphasizing his denial.
He explained that he left the house upon realizing the police were being called, stating, “I thought I am not running off.
I walked off and sat on the pavement about 50 yards away.
I was not going to run away; I had done nothing wrong.” Peacock’s criminal history was also discussed during the proceedings, with the defense acknowledging previous convictions primarily related to fighting and violence.
However, the court was told that Peacock had already faced some personal consequences, including limited contact with his own children—his seven-year-old daughter and twelve-year-old son—restricted to supervised one-hour sessions each week.
Judge Ambrose highlighted that, although the girl did not appear to have suffered significant immediate harm, there was a substantial risk that she could be more profoundly affected in the future.
The judge also noted the breach of trust involved in the offence.
Ultimately, Peacock was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, and he was ordered to sign the sex offender register for the next ten years, marking a serious consequence for his actions in Cheltenham.
