“Stephen Beck, 73, residing on Anerley Road, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by Croydon Crown Court following his conviction on 15 historic sexual offenses against a former male student.
The mother of the victim expressed grave concern, stating, “He was still conducting art lessons.” Beck had been teaching art classes at Anerley Town Hall for 20 years until his arrest in 2019.
In 2009, Beck received a Jack Petchey Leader Award for his longstanding art classes for children in Bromley, which had been running for 11 years at that time.
Crystal Palace Community Trust (CPCT), now managing the Town Hall, confirmed, “Mr. Beck was immediately suspended once the matter came to light and was under police investigation. We cooperated fully with the authorities, providing all necessary information.”
Elaine Harrison, CPCT’s development manager, clarified that the trust was established in 2001, after Beck had already started his classes and begun abusing his victim in 2000. Judge Deborah Charles mentioned that Beck, employed as a caretaker at the Town Hall, committed one of the assaults inside the premises.
Bromley Council declined to comment on these developments.
Mrs. Harrison expressed shock at Beck’s suspension and emphasized that the trust refrained from conducting its investigation to avoid interfering with the police inquiry. She underscored the stringent child protection measures in place at the venue.
Anerley Town Hall, now overseen by CPCT, was formerly operated by Bromley Council, which confirmed Beck’s employment history. The council stated it was saddened by the historic offenses and affirmed its support for police investigations.
Beck, who claimed ties to David Bowie and had a brief music career, will serve up to eight years in prison and the remainder on probation, with lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register.”
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