Nineteen non-recent sexual offences against three children.

74-year-old Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Sexual Offenses Against Children

A 74-year-old man, John Hewitt, of Preston, Hull, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of 19 non-recent sexual offenses against three children.

Hewitt was found guilty at Grimsby Crown Court on June 22, 2021, of eight counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child. The charges stemmed from an investigation into offenses that occurred in the 1980s in the Hull and Hessle area, targeting three children aged between 13 and 16 at the time.

Detective Superintendent Phil Gadd, who led the investigation, stated: "Hewitt's actions against three vulnerable children were sickening and incomprehensible. These actions have had a lasting impact on the victims throughout their lives. I want to thank the victims and witnesses and commend them for their bravery and perseverance throughout the investigative process."

"They have displayed dignity and courage throughout this incredibly difficult time. Their patience and understanding have been invaluable while we built a strong case against Hewitt. They have had to carry the trauma of his criminal actions since their childhood, and I sincerely hope they are now able to feel some sense of justice has been achieved and they can look to hopefully move forward knowing he is in prison where he belongs."

Gadd continued, "I also wish to thank the dedicated investigation team, not least Detective Sergeant Samantha Allen and Detective Constable Stephen Jewell who have shown persistence and commitment throughout the lengthy and difficult investigation."

Upon passing sentence, Judge Bury commented that Mr. Hewitt is now 74 years old and in the twilight of his years and has shown no sympathy throughout the trial. "It has taken forty years for his chickens to come home to roost," the judge remarked. "If he were to die in prison serving this sentence, then so be it."