DAVID HEARN FROM PURLEY SENTENCED FOR DECADE-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE AND ABHORRENT ACTS

In June 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving David Hearn, a 69-year-old man from Gilliam Grove, Purley, who was convicted of a series of heinous crimes committed over a span of at least ten years. The court heard that Hearn subjected a young girl, initially as young as five or six years old, to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse and humiliation that left lasting scars.

Hearn's abuse was both systematic and elaborate, involving the creation of disturbing 'games' designed to sexually exploit the girl. One such game, ominously dubbed the 'Postman Pat game,' involved Hearn placing food on his penis and instructing the child to taste it, with the sinister intent of coercing her into performing oral sex. The court described this as part of a pattern of manipulative and abusive behavior that persisted for years.

Additionally, Hearn devised other disturbing 'games,' including one he called 'bleeding the pipe.' In this cruel act, he forced the young girl to insert her hand through a specially constructed apparatus—comprising a piece of wood with a hole—so she could masturbate him. These acts exemplified the calculated and malicious nature of his abuse, which was carried out at various properties he owned or resided in within the Croydon area. The court was told that Hearn's predatory behavior extended even into the girl’s own home, as he would sneak into her bedroom to continue his sexual assaults.

Judge Elizabeth Smaller, presiding over the case at Croydon Crown Court, stated that she was convinced the abuse began when the girl was younger than seven, shortly before 1993. The most severe abuse continued for approximately ten years, until the girl was about 15 years old. Despite the passage of time, Hearn's misconduct did not cease; he continued to kiss her on the lips and forcibly groped her, further demonstrating his ongoing control and exploitation.

The court heard that the girl attempted to seek help in 1997, but Hearn, upon learning of police interest, threatened her mother to prevent her from speaking out. She was also told that Hearn had threatened to kill her if she ever disclosed the abuse. These threats, coupled with the ongoing nature of the abuse, left her in a state of fear and silence for many years.

Judge Smaller remarked on the profound impact of Hearn’s actions, noting that the victim regarded the abuse as normal due to its frequency. The judge emphasized that Hearn’s acts were not only sexually abusive but also aimed at exerting psychological control and instilling fear. The most egregious act, the forced ingestion of his feces, was described as an 'inexplicably despicable act,' highlighting the extreme depravity involved.

Throughout her sentencing remarks, Judge Smaller acknowledged the victim’s remarkable resilience and dignity in coming forward, which was only possible thanks to support from friends and professional help. However, she made it clear that Hearn’s actions had left the girl profoundly damaged. The victim reported suffering from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and questioned whether she could have done anything to prevent her suffering—though the court made it clear that the responsibility lay solely with Hearn.

Hearn’s lack of remorse was evident during the proceedings; the judge observed that he sat in the dock shaking his head, showing no signs of regret. His defense lawyer, Duncan Cooke, argued that Hearn feared a lengthy prison sentence might be fatal, claiming that his client appeared shattered by the conviction and believed he would not survive a long term behind bars.

Because most of the offenses occurred before the law on sexual offenses was updated in 2003, the maximum sentence Hearn could face was lower than what might be possible under current legislation. Nonetheless, upon release, Hearn will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

On Tuesday, at Croydon Crown Court, Hearn was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of six counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. The court’s verdict reflects the severity of his crimes and the profound harm inflicted upon his young victim.