A school bus driver called 999 on himself and told police “I need to be arrested” as he admitted he was a prolific paedophile who’d committed a vile catalogue of child sex abuse. Peter Long abused girls as young as seven, targeting four youngsters over the years, and the father-of-two is suspected of attacking 30 more children.
The 66-year-old was hailed for his generosity, raising money for a children’s hospital, and was well-liked by locals in the community where he lived. But he has now been sentenced to 24 years’ in jail over his horrific crimes, with a further year on licence once released from prison, and was made the subject of lifelong restraining orders in respect of his victims.
The Mirror reports that, behind the nice guy facade, he was a monster who preyed on young girls whose lives were ruined by being regularly raped and sexually assaulted. A court heard it would start off with tickling, then shoulder massages before using the girls for his own sexual gratification.
The former school bus driver would have got away with it. But at 7.30am on November 15 last year Long dialled 999 and told the shocked operator: “I’m a very large paedo. I need to be arrested.”
Police dashed to a bus shelter in the village of Stormy Down, Near Bridgend, South Wales, where Long, who also worked as a cab driver, said he would be waiting. Prosecutor Ffion Thomas told Swansea Crown Court on Friday: “Before they arrived he dialled 999 again and said he had been abusing children for many, many years and should never have done it.
“He provided details and gave police names of his victims – he said there were lots of young children. He said he had been sexually abusing young children for 30-35 years.”
But in custody, Long clammed up and gave police a no-comment interview. Ms Thomas said: “South Wales Police commenced their investigation and went to see the females he had named – four of them courageously said the defendant was telling the truth.”
His known victims, now in their forties and fifties, had not told a soul about what Long had done to them when they were children. Long admitted six charges of sexual intercourse with a child under 13 and 12 charges of indecent assault.
Two of the women sobbed in the public gallery as their victim impact statements were read out. Other relatives hugged as the horrific details emerged. One said: “If Peter had not come forward I would have taken this to the grave. By coming forward it has forced me to say what happened to me.”
Another told Long: “I don’t believe for a second that you will ever understand what you have done to me for your own disgusting reasons.” One of the women recalled how she felt like she was “placed on display” when Long set up a webcam at his home.
He then sexually assaulted her. Long, balding with glasses, could be seen continually shaking his head as he watched the court proceedings on a live video link from HMP Parc, Bridgend.
His barrister Kieron Galvin said the only mitigation was that Long had no previous convictions and had finally pleaded guilty. Judge Paul Hobson said: “You will not be eligible for parole until you are 81 years of age.
“When you are released you will be on license until you are 90.” Det Con Georgia Davis, said: “It’s entirely down to these women being prepared to speak to us regarding Long’s despicable actions that he’ll now face the consequences.
“I want to commend them for their strength throughout the investigation and court process. It took a great deal of bravery to come forward and tell us what happened.
“I encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to come forward and report it, knowing we will investigate thoroughly.” Long, of Stormy Down, Bridgend, has never apologised to his victims and showed no emotion as he was returned to his cell.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.