ADRIAN HAYWARD FROM MARKYATE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS IN LEICESTER

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about online exploitation, Adrian Hayward, a 48-year-old resident of Markyate, was sentenced to a total of 26 months in prison for heinous acts involving two teenage girls from Leicester. The incident unfolded in July 2018, when Hayward, who was already serving a community order for possessing indecent images of children, initiated contact with a 13-year-old girl through the internet.

According to court reports, the girl received a message from a profile named ‘Jamie M’. She was accompanied by a 16-year-old friend at the time. Believing the message was from a school acquaintance, she responded with a simple “Hi”. However, the situation quickly escalated into a serious criminal matter. Prosecutor Martin Mulgrew detailed to St Albans Crown Court that Hayward called the girl, and during the call, the court was shown evidence that he was engaged in masturbating. The defendant then asked her to reveal her breasts, and the call was terminated by the girl after she saw what was happening.

Despite the girl blocking Hayward from further messages, he persisted in attempting to contact her, making at least ten more attempts. During this period, he requested photographs from her and even sent a graphic image of his genitals. The 16-year-old girl, concerned about her friend’s safety, confided in her mother, who then contacted the police. Law enforcement officials traced Hayward through the IP address used during the online interactions.

Hayward was subsequently arrested and police recovered a Motorola phone from him. This device was supposed to be registered with the police as part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that had been imposed when he was previously convicted of possessing indecent images of children. The authorities confirmed that Hayward’s actions constituted a breach of this order.

On July 27, during the sentencing hearing, Hayward appeared before Judge Graham Arran, having previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing a child to watch a sexual act and breaching the SHPO. The court was informed that Hayward had a long history of similar offenses, with four prior convictions dating back to 1991, including exposure, indecent assault, and possession of indecent images.

Judge Arran expressed his disapproval of Hayward’s repeated failures to reform, stating, “He has been on a course that has had no effect whatsoever,” and added, “You undertook the programme, but that has made absolutely no difference.”

In light of the evidence and his criminal history, Hayward was sentenced to 22 months in prison for causing a child to watch a sexual act. An additional four months were added for breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order, bringing his total sentence to 26 months. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals who exploit online platforms to target vulnerable minors, and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting young people from such predatory behavior.