Former soldier jailed for multiple historic sex offences against children.

Former Soldier Jailed for Sex Offenses Against Children

A former soldier from Okehampton, Stuart Hood, has been sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison for multiple historic sex offenses against children. The crimes, which involved the sexual abuse of a boy and two teenage girls, spanned from the 1970s to Hood's young adulthood.

During the trial, the prosecution described Hood, now 59, as a bully capable of "deviant sexual behavior" who enjoyed assaulting his physically weaker victims. He was found guilty of 11 offenses of indecent assault and indecency with a child in January.

The court heard that Hood's victims had, at different times over the years, confided in others about the abuse they suffered as children. It wasn't until 2018, when the male victim reported the crimes to the police, that the offenses came to light.

In a statement, one victim described how Hood's actions had made his childhood a misery. "He is a sick, perverse and a sadistic liar," he said. "I trust the sentence reflects the immeasurable harm he's caused me."

Another victim expressed hope that her coming forward would encourage others who have suffered abuse to seek help. She urged them to go to the police and not carry the shame of their experiences.

Hood, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial, had presented character references portraying him as a hard-working married man and valued member of the community. His defense attorney argued that the crimes occurred many years ago and that he had since become a devoted family man. However, Judge Anna Richardson emphasized that past positive contributions do not excuse the severity of Hood's actions.

"People are not necessarily one thing or another. I accept you have been a good family man and a valued member of the local community. That does not change the fact to your victims you were a dangerous and violent abuser," she stated.

Hood will serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.