Former air cadet officer who abused 12 boys given extra jail time for two more attacks

A former air cadet officer has been handed an eight-year sentence after being found guilty of abusing two teenage boys.

Ronald Hardman, 80, preyed on the youngsters mainly at the squadron in Kilmarnock and at his then home in the Ayrshire town.

One of the victims recalled how he “exploded” at the now 80-year-old in rage when he molested him.

Hardman – who had been a trusted volunteer warrant officer at the Kilmarnock Air Training Corps (ATC) for 35 years – had denied the crimes.

He was sentenced by Judge Douglas Brown at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Hardman had earlier been found guilty of lewd and libidinous behaviour and indecent assault against both victims.

Jurors had taken just 15 minutes to convict him.

Hardman was already behind bars for the serial abuse of young cadets.

He was initially locked up for five years in late 2018 for sex crimes against three teenagers.

But, a huge investigation – resulting in 300 former cadets speaking to police – led to fresh allegations.

More victims then bravely came forward to reveal how they also suffered at the hands of Hardman.

In September 2019, he was sentenced to nine years after he pleaded guilty to 15 charges of lewd and libidinous conduct as well as indecent assault involving 12 boys.

Hardman was then prosecuted for these latest offences in 2023.

His stay in prison was due to expire in 2028.

The eight year-term imposed by Judge Brown runs from Tuesday.

The attacks involving these two boys occurred between 1988 and 1993.

Hardman had been with the ATC from 1960 to 1995.

In his evidence, the now pensioner said his aim was to keep the cadets “safe in his care” and to “try and encourage them to go into the RAF”.

But, instead, Hardman abused his position to take advantage of youngsters.

This included groping the boys in this latest case when fitting them out for their cadet outfits.

Hardman’s KC Murray Macara put to him: “One said that you tried to grope him while measuring him for his uniform and that he exploded saying: ‘Do not ever do that again to me’.”

Hardman denied that happened. He also refuted other attacks on this victim such as molesting him on a bus during a trip to Alton Towers.

Hardman even claimed he had no memory of this youngster at the ATC.

The OAP further denied any abuse of the other boy including preying on him having got him to come to the squadron hall by lying other cadets would be there.

Hardman also suggested evidence he got boys to swim naked, made them play Strip Poker, look at pornographic magazines or plied them with drink were untrue.

Prosecutor Tracey Brown went on to quiz Hardman about boys going to his home.

Ms Brown said: “You were around 50 at the time. These cadets were 14 or 15.

“Why invite teenage boys into your flat?”

Hardman said: “Don’t really know. Just to play cards.”

The advocate depute asked: “Not think it more appropriate to invite men your own age?”

He replied: “Not really, no. The only people I knew were in the ATC.”

Hardman claimed he was “good to cadets”.

Ms Brown later concluded: “So, in your case two (now) men have made up allegations – you say both are lying and that you are the only one telling the truth?”

He claimed that was correct.

Hardman was once again put on the sex offenders list.