67 year old Peter William Goodchild of no fixed abode but from the Bury St Edmunds area pleaded guilty to twelve charges of sexual assault of a child under 13.  These offences related to three children

On Monday 25 March 2024 at Ipswich Crown Court he was sentenced to 14 years in jail.

Between 2013 and 2019 Goodchild committed sexual touching offences against three children. Following police enquiries Goodchild was arrested on 12 September 2023 and following enquiries he was subsequently charged with the offences.

DC Stefan Iftode who investigated the offences said: “This was an extremely traumatic experience for the victims and committed by an offender who abused his position of trust by this offending.

“The victims have shown incredible bravery and this case clearly demonstrates we are absolutely committed to  pursuing perpetrators, supporting victims and continuing to ensure the safety of our communities. We urge victims of any serious violent or sexual offence to come forward to the police and we remain committed to supporting all victims who report sexual offences.”

Goodchild is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life and subject to a restraining order for at least the next 10 years.

Suffolk has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and a team of specialist ISVA’s (independent sexual violence advisors) who support any victims who come forward to report rape or serious sexual offences, either to police or directly to the SARC. 

More details here>

The Ferns | (theferns-suffolk.org.uk)

To report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences please click on the below link:

Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary