Air cadets abused by warrant officer Ronald Hardman to receive £2.5m in MoD compensation

Former air cadets who were abused by a warrant officer more than 30 years ago are to receive £2.5m in compensation from the Ministry of Defence.

Victims of Ronald Hardman, who abused boys at 327 Air Training Corp in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, in the 80s and 90s, took legal action against the MoD.

The 81-year-old has been handed three different jail terms for the abuse, totalling 22 years, for crimes against 17 young boys.

After securing the payout, a group of victims will receive settlements ranging from £150,000 to £750,000.

However, lawyers for Digby Brown Solicitors fear dozens more people were victims of Hardman, and urged them to go to the police.

Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, said: “The scale of Hardman’s abuse is unlike anything we’ve seen before – he is undoubtedly the Savile of the cadet force.

“Ever since his crimes first came to light eight years ago, there’s just been a continuous prosecution and charge sheet against him – and rightly so.

“The evidence paints a clear and consistent picture of what happened in 327 – which is Hardman weaponised his trusted position to target, groom and attack.”

Glasgow & West

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

Ronald Hardman, 80, was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Hardman was first jailed in 2018 after being found guilty of abusing three cadets between 1981 and 1995.

Police launched a major investigation following his first conviction, speaking with 300 former cadets which led to fresh allegations being made.

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.

In May last year, he was jailed for eight years for abusing two boys after being found guilty of lewd and libidinous behaviour and indecent assault against both victims.

Mr Pitts added: “The passage of time should never prevent abusers from being brought to justice but the reality is that Hardman is now in his 80s so I’d encourage those who are yet to step forward to do so now while he can still be questioned and civil actions can be pursued.

“So far, we have recovered just short of £2.5m for seven victims, and these settlements go towards helping support them in an adult life, which Hardman’s crimes stole from them.

“That’s why it is right for the MoD to compensate victims – the abuse was carried out by their man, on their watch, and we will continue to support all people affected by these disgusting crimes.”