ALAN EDMONSON AND HARTLEPOOL SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL: VICTIMS SPEAK OUT

A disturbing chapter in Hartlepool's history has come to light as five men, all in their seventies, have been convicted for heinous acts of sexual abuse against young boys during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The crimes, which took place in and around public toilets in the town, have left a lasting scar on the victims and the community alike.

Among those convicted, four men received substantial custodial sentences, collectively amounting to over 46 years behind bars. The fifth offender was handed a suspended sentence, reflecting the court's recognition of the circumstances surrounding his case. The offenders include Robert Black, aged 71, formerly residing at Derwent Grange but now without a fixed address, who was sentenced to 16 years for four counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual offence. Geoff Hillier, 72, of Haswell Avenue, received 14 years for two indecent assaults, two serious sexual offences, and was also found guilty of possessing six counts of indecent images. David Anderson, aged 71 and living on Grange Road, was sentenced to a little over nine years after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault. Peter Watts, 72, of Oxford Road, was given a sentence of seven and a half years for five counts of indecent assault.

In stark contrast, Alan Edmonson, aged 66 and residing on Ibrox Grove, received a two-year suspended sentence for a single count of indecent assault. His sentence will be held in abeyance for two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offence within that period.

All victims were minors at the time, ranging in age from 12 to 16. During the court proceedings, one survivor detailed the long-lasting psychological trauma inflicted by the abuse. The individual described struggles with substance misuse, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and a pervasive mistrust of adults, which have persisted into adulthood. Judge Howard Crowson emphasized that, regardless of any perceived consent, minors are legally incapable of giving true consent, and thus, the court imposed lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Orders on all five convicted men. These orders restrict their contact with children and limit their internet activity to prevent further harm.

The victims expressed their relief and support for the sentences handed down, acknowledging that many of the offenders are likely to serve only half of their terms. They also urged other survivors to come forward and seek justice. Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth, who led the two-and-a-half-year investigation known as Operation Krafft, praised the bravery of the victims in sharing their stories. He expressed hope that the convictions will serve as a step toward healing for the victims and their families, and reinforce the community’s commitment to confronting such dark chapters in its history.