ANTHONY HEARN FROM MARCH SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR YEARS OF ABUSE AND RAPE IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of March, Cambridgeshire, Anthony Hearn, aged 51, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. The sentencing took place at Huntingdon Crown Court on a recent Tuesday, bringing closure to a case that involved extensive abuse and exploitation of a young girl.

Hearn, residing on Linwood Lane in March, was found guilty of a total of 20 separate sexual offenses. These included charges of rape, sexual assault, four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and nine counts of indecent assault. The crimes were committed between the years 1995 and 2007, with some of the offenses occurring before the victim had even reached her eighth birthday. Throughout the trial, Hearn maintained his innocence, denying all allegations brought against him.

During the proceedings at Huntingdon Crown Court, the victim, who is now an adult, bravely took the stand to recount her traumatic experiences. She revealed that she had always harbored a deep-seated fear of clowns, a phobia that was exploited during the assaults. She described one particularly disturbing incident where Hearn, dressed in a clown’s outfit, assaulted her while wearing a clown’s face mask. Her testimony shed light on the long-lasting psychological scars inflicted by Hearn’s actions.

The victim also spoke about the profound impact the abuse had on her mental health. She admitted that growing up with such trauma had affected her deeply, influencing her behavior and emotional well-being. She confessed to having played truant from school at times, which she attributed to the ongoing abuse and its effects.

Further details emerged during the trial regarding the victim’s efforts to seek help. She had recorded a phone conversation with Hearn in 2008, which later became a crucial piece of evidence. However, she only disclosed the details of this call to the police a year afterward, fearing retaliation and harm to her family. Her reluctance to come forward earlier was rooted in her fear of what Hearn might do to her loved ones.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Amanda Pickering commented on the case, emphasizing the danger Hearn posed. She stated, “Hearn is a dangerous man who repeatedly subjected his young victim to sexual assaults and rape. Thanks to the bravery of his victim, who showed great strength throughout the court process, justice has been served. I hope this now gives her a sense of closure and allows her to begin moving on with her life.”

The case has left a lasting impact on the community of March, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.