Update: Died in HMP Littlehey prison in May 2020

July 2016

‘Truly evil crimes’: Man jailed for sexual abuse in Lewisham children’s home

An 88-year-old former children’s home worker is likely to die in prison after being convicted of historic sex abuse on a ‘vulnerable’ boy in Lewisham.

Arthur Hatton was sentenced to 16 years behind bars at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday after being found guilty of 11 counts of sexual abuse involving the same child.

Between 1975 and 1982 Hatton, of Odell Walk, repeatedly abused his young victim while he was working as the superintendent of two Lewisham children’s homes.

The youngster was assaulted by Hatton for a period of nine years between the ages of six and 15.

Police became aware of the abuse in July 2014, after media coverage of an unrelated historic sex abuse investigation.

Following an investigation, Hatton was arrested and charged in November 2014.

Detective Sergeant Sam Townsend said it is “highly likely” Hatton will die in prison.

He said: “Hatton has been found guilty of some truly evil crimes against a vulnerable child who should have been safe in his care. 

“I hope that this result sends out a message that no matter when the offence occurred, or how old the offender, we will always rigorously investigate all such allegations put to us.”

Hatton was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16, four counts of buggery with a boy under 16, and four counts of gross indecency with a boy under 14.

He was charged with offences in connection with four further victims.

The jury found him not guilty of six indecent assaults in relation to one victim and failed to return a verdict on three counts of indecent assault in connection with three other victims.