The Sound of Betrayal: Trust Shattered by a Scarborough Teacher
The communities of Scarborough and East Ayton, North Yorkshire, are grappling with the devastating reality of a profound betrayal of trust following the conviction and sentencing of former music teacher Peter MacKenzie Buckby. On December 2, 2025, the 44-year-old was sentenced at York Crown Court to four years and three months in jail for engaging in sexual activity with a child who was under 16 at the time of the offences. The gravity of the crime is amplified by the fact that the assaults were committed by a figure of authority—a teacher—in a position meant to nurture and protect young people.
The offences themselves were not recent; they took place almost a decade ago, but the courageous act of reporting them in 2022 finally brought the devastating truth to light. The long timeline highlights the immense bravery of the victim, who had to carry the burden of this secret for years before seeking justice. When a person in a position of authority like a music teacher uses that power to exploit vulnerability, the trauma extends far beyond the victim, shaking the foundation of trust in every school and institution. The successful prosecution, led by the diligent work of North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, sends a crucial message: that time does not diminish the need for justice, and survivors will be believed.
The Long Road to Accountability: A Denial Overturned by Verdict
The path to accountability for Peter MacKenzie Buckby was a protracted one, reflecting the tenacity required in non-recent abuse investigations. Following the victim’s report in 2022, North Yorkshire Police began their meticulous investigation. Buckby, upon being charged, pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim and the prosecution to endure a full trial. This denial, which required the victim to confront their abuser in court, represents an added layer of psychological hardship. Detective Constable Suzanne Hall, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s “exceptional bravery” in coming forward and giving evidence.
However, the pursuit of truth ultimately prevailed. After hearing the evidence presented at York Crown Court, the jury convicted Buckby on October 8, 2025, finding him guilty of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity with a child. This verdict was a monumental moment for the survivor, validating their truth after years of silence. The subsequent sentencing—four years and three months—marks the formal closure of the criminal chapter, ensuring that Buckby is held responsible for the catastrophic damage he inflicted on a young life.
Restoring the Trust: A Call for Vigilance and Protection
The sentencing of Peter MacKenzie Buckby is a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can exist within trusted environments. While the justice system has delivered a consequence, the emotional damage inflicted upon the survivor is permanent, and the community’s trust in its institutions has been deeply shaken. This case underscores the vital importance of the work carried out by specialized police teams, who relentlessly investigate historical offences to ensure that offenders face justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
For schools and organizations in Scarborough, this tragic case reinforces the need for absolute vigilance, rigorous safeguarding protocols, and a culture where children feel empowered to speak out without fear. The focus now turns to the survivor, whose incredible courage throughout this ordeal is the defining narrative. They bravely came forward, endured a police investigation, and faced a court trial. Their voice secured justice, offering a beacon of hope for other survivors carrying similar burdens, proving that even a decade later, the truth can be heard, and perpetrators will be held to account.