BRIAN HEARNS FROM BRADLEY AND SKIPTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST GIRLS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Bradley and Skipton, a 65-year-old man named Brian Hearns has been sentenced to prison for a series of disturbing sexual offences committed against three young girls. The court proceedings revealed a troubling history that dates back several decades, highlighting the long-standing nature of his criminal behavior.

According to court records, Hearns, a former sailor, was convicted and sentenced on a Tuesday after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including indecent assault, indecent exposure, and engaging in sexual activities in the presence of a minor. The judge overseeing the case acknowledged the profound impact these crimes have had on the victims, noting that they have suffered from feelings of guilt, depression, and insomnia as a direct result of the abuse.

The offences in question occurred in 1982 within the village of Bradley, situated near Skipton. The court heard that Hearns’s criminal history includes an earlier conviction from 1966 for indecent exposure, during which he exposed himself to two women in Plymouth. This prior conviction underscores a pattern of inappropriate and illegal sexual behavior spanning many years.

During the sentencing, prosecutor Tom Storey detailed the timeline and nature of the offences, emphasizing that Hearns, who currently has no fixed address, had a documented history of similar misconduct. The court was informed that Hearns expressed remorse during police interviews, stating he was disgusted with himself regarding his actions towards the young girls.

Victim impact statements painted a grim picture of the lasting damage inflicted by Hearns’s actions. One of the victims, now an adult, revealed she had developed anorexia and bulimia, and has been plagued by depression ever since the abuse. Another victim recounted how she resorted to stealing vodka and taking out her emotional pain on her school teachers, illustrating the deep psychological scars left behind.

Hearns’s legal representative, Sophie Drake, highlighted that he had spent seven months in custody on remand prior to sentencing. She acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but described them as being at the lower end of the sexual offences spectrum. Drake also noted the difficulties Hearns faced while incarcerated, including exposure to unpleasant individuals, which she said had a negative impact on him.

It was also revealed that alcohol has played a significant role in Hearns’s life since his departure from the navy many years ago. His lawyer explained that when under the influence, Hearns’s impulses become uncontrollable, leading to the inappropriate behaviors for which he was convicted.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Roger Scott imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits Hearns from having any unsupervised contact with children. Furthermore, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions aimed at protecting the community from further harm.