Key Points:
- Geoffrey Dolamore, 87, has admitted to sexually abusing two young boys over several decades.
- The retired teacher and charity worker from Forest Hill was a teacher in London before becoming a director at a children’s charity in Greenwich and Lewisham.
- Dolamore pleaded guilty to 13 charges related to the abuse at Woolwich Crown Court.
- He also pleaded guilty to possessing six indecent images of children.
- Some charges, including those related to sexual activity with an older victim, were dropped.
- Dolamore was released on bail and is expected to be sentenced in June, with a likely prison sentence.
Geoffrey Dolamore, a former teacher and charity director from Forest Hill in south-east London, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two young boys over a period spanning several decades. Dolamore, now 87 years old, worked as a teacher in various schools across London and later became a director at a children’s charity in Greenwich and Lewisham after his retirement.
What crimes did Dolamore commit?
At a Woolwich Crown Court hearing on April 11, 2025, Dolamore admitted to 13 charges of sexual abuse. These charges relate to his abuse of two boys, one of whom he abused in the 1970s, and another who he continued to abuse for several years. In total, Dolamore abused the second victim more than 50 times, sexually assaulting or coercing the child into sexual activity.
What other charges did Dolamore face?
In addition to the sexual abuse charges, Dolamore also pleaded guilty to three charges related to the possession of six indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that Dolamore had kept the images in his possession during his retirement.
Why were some charges dropped?
Some allegations against Dolamore were dropped, including those concerning sexual activity with the second victim after the boy had reached the age of consent. Dolamore claimed that the victim began to engage in the activity consensually, but these claims were dismissed. After consulting with the victims, it was agreed that Dolamore’s guilty pleas would be accepted, avoiding a full trial.
What did the judge say?
Judge Ben Gumpert KC warned Dolamore that the most likely outcome would be immediate imprisonment due to the seriousness of his crimes. However, Dolamore was granted bail until June 2025, when he will be sentenced. The judge noted that a pre-sentence report would be prepared, although he indicated that the report would likely not change the inevitable outcome of prison time.
What will happen next?
Dolamore is expected to be sentenced in June 2025, and the judge has made it clear that he anticipates a prison sentence. A pre-sentence report will be provided before sentencing, but the judge cautioned Dolamore that he should not expect this to alter the decision on his punishment.
The case highlights the long-lasting impact of abuse and serves as a reminder of the importance of bringing perpetrators of such crimes to justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
