Former Ayrshire air cadet officer jailed for abusing children.
Last updated 11th Sep 2019
A former air cadet officer has been sentenced to nine years after abusing 12 boys.
Ronald Hardman preyed on the youngsters over a 35-period at the squadron in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.
The 74 year-old was locked up for five years at the town's sheriff court last November after being convicted of attacks on three teenagers.
But, a huge investigation – resulting in 300 former cadets speaking to police – lead to fresh allegations.
More victims then bravely came forward to reveal how they also suffered at the hands of Hardman.
The pensioner returned to the High Court in Glasgow after he admitted to 15 charges consisting of lewd and libidinous conduct as well as indecent assault.
Lord Beckett branded the crimes “pre-meditated” and “grossly corrupting”.
The judge added: “It is apparent that you deceived, manipulated, groomed and coerced the boys.”
He also told Hardman that such conduct “besmirched” the reputation of organisations like the air training corps.
The nine year term will run from today.
A hearing was told Hardman was a trusted volunteer warrant officer at the Kilmarnock Air Training Corps (ATC) between 1960 and 1995.
Hardman abused his position to “groom and control” a string of young cadets.
He would also try to buy their silence by giving them money, sweets or takeaway meals.
Prosecutor Eoghainn MacLean said: “Many of these victims have suffered years of anxiety and trauma as a result of the criminality.”
The attacks occurred at different locations including the squadron hall, a campsite and at Drumness Forest in Dumfries and Galloway.
One boy – aged 13 when he joined the ATC – was abused between 15 to 20 times.
Hardman gave the teenager a can of lager.
The pervert told the terrified boy it would be “good” for the youngster's “promotion” if he let Hardman touch him.
Another teenager was attacked with the help of two other cadets.
This victim was pulled to the ground and preyed upon during a trip away with the corps.
The court heard Hardman took the opportunity to molest a boy during a fitting for a uniform.
The sex abuse over the years also involved Hardman showing boys pornographic magazines, suggesting they play strip poker and getting them to swim naked.
During one attack, prosecutor Mr MacLean said: “Hardman just laughed as if everything was fine.”
The victims kept quiet about what happened for decades. Some admitted to feeling “ashamed”.
Police were initially alerted to Hardman around 2004. It is not known what happened at that time.
But, in February 2017, the a BBC documentary highlighted historical sex abuse in cadet forces.
This initially lead to the Kilmarnock Sheriff Court case last year.
But, Mr MacLean said: “Attempts were then made to trace as many cadets as possible who might have been abused by Hardman.
“Over 300 cadets were spoken to by police officers.”
This ended up in the victims in the latest case feeling able to disclose what happened.
Sentencing, Lord Beckett said what Hardman done had “blighted” the lives of his victims.
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