Victim’s haunting words: Every day it hurts

A 73-year-old paedophile who sexually abused children in the 1970s has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, plus one year on extended licence.

Herbert Peters, of Park Road, Redruth, admitted to two counts of buggery and two counts of indecent assault. He was sentenced at Truro Crown Court on 28 February by Judge HHJ Carr.

His victims suffered in silence for nearly five decades, with one describing their lifelong trauma in a heart-wrenching statement:

🔴 “The last 47 years feel like I have been walking every day with stones in my shoes.”
🔴 “Every day it hurts. Some days it hurts more than others.”
🔴 “I have always been praying for one day when someone will help me take them out.”

A Case That Took 50 Years to Catch Up With Him

The police investigation began in 2021, when one of Peters’ victims bravely came forward.

🔹 Peters denied all allegations when first interviewed in 2022.
🔹 He was due to stand trial in January 2025 but pleaded guilty at the last moment.
🔹 His delay prolonged his victims’ suffering by another three years.

Detective Constable Isabelle Woodall, who led the investigation, said:

🔴 “Peters has shown no compassion at any stage.”
🔴 “By pleading guilty at the last moment, he extended his victims’ ordeal.”
🔴 “I hope they can now move forward with their lives.”

Justice Finally Served

Judge Carr sentenced Peters to 15 years in prison, plus one year on extended licence. He was immediately taken into custody.

For nearly half a century, Peters thought he had escaped justice—but his past finally caught up with him.