ALLAN HAMMOND'S HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN MARCH AND BEYOND: DECADES OF PREDATORY CRIMES REVEALED

In a chilling case that has shocked the local community, Allan Hammond, a resident of March, has been convicted of a series of heinous child abuse crimes spanning over three decades. The lengthy legal proceedings culminated in a three-week trial during which Hammond was found guilty of 12 serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors.

Hammond, aged 78, faced allegations that he engaged in a predatory campaign of abuse that began in the 1960s and continued into the early 1990s. The court heard disturbing details of his crimes, which included sexually assaulting a girl who was only eight years old and committing buggery on a boy under the age of 13. Additionally, Hammond was convicted of producing internet child pornography in 2014, further compounding the severity of his offenses.

Throughout the trial, Hammond maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. However, the jury was convinced by the evidence presented, which detailed how he assaulted female victims in the 1960s and 1970s, and a male victim in the early 1990s. The court's findings confirmed the extent of his predatory behavior, which spanned multiple locations including Saffron Walden, Colchester, Enfield, Chigwell, and Chingford. These areas are known for their proximity to London and Essex, where Hammond previously resided.

Following his conviction, Hammond was ordered to register as a sex offender, a legal requirement for individuals found guilty of such crimes. His sentencing is scheduled to take place at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 17. The judge's decision will determine the length of his imprisonment, which was initially set at 17 years in August 2018, when he was first sentenced for similar offenses.

In a defiant move, Hammond previously accused the Cambs Times of fabricating charges against him when the story about his first court appearance was published two years ago. In a letter addressed to his neighbors, he claimed to be a normal retired couple, expressing distress over the media coverage and suggesting that the case was still under investigation, possibly leading to a prosecution.

The community in March and the wider region are now grappling with the reality of Hammond’s crimes, which have cast a long shadow over the area. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring such predators to justice, ensuring the safety of children and the community at large.