Redruth man jailed for sexual abuse in 1970's
The 73-year-old will spend at least 15 years in jail
Last updated 1st Mar 2025
A man from West Cornwall who committed sexual abuse against children in the 1970s, has been jailed for 15 years.
Herbert Peters, aged 73, of Park Road, Redruth, appeared at Truro Crown Court today, 28 February, where he was sentenced to jail for four counts of sexual assault, including indecent assault against children, by HHJ Judge Carr.
In a profound statement written to the court, one of the victims described the impact the offences had on them. They said: “The best way to describe the last 47 years is that it feels like I have been walking every day with stones in my shoes.
“Every day I feel them and every day it hurts.
“Some days it hurts more than others and I never know when those days are going to be.
“I have always been praying for one day when someone will help me to take them out”.
A police investigation began in 2021 when one victim contacted officers to report what had occurred. Peters was interviewed but made no comment except to tell officers that he denied the allegations. He was due to stand trial in January 2025 but pleaded guilty to all offences on the first day.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall said: “It is a testament to the fortitude and strength of character of the victim, who reported these crimes to the police, provided the evidence in this case, and remained supportive of the investigation throughout, that Peters has finally been brought to justice.
“Peters has shown no compassion to the victims of his horrific abuse at any stage. By choosing to plead guilty at the eleventh hour rather than when first interviewed by police in January 2022, he has prolonged their ordeal unnecessarily by a further three years.
“Whilst nothing can take away the lasting effects of the abuse that they suffered, I sincerely hope that they may now be able to move forward with the rest of their lives.”