DAVID HILLIER FROM HYTHE SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEX OFFENCES AGAINST A CHILD

In a case that spanned over twenty years, David Hillier, a resident of Hythe, was convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The 70-year-old former refuse collector, residing on Princes Terrace near Dymchurch Road, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to multiple charges related to his abusive conduct.

Hillier pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape and four counts of indecency with a child. These pleas came just before he was scheduled to face a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. The court heard that Hillier’s criminal history included an earlier conviction in 1985, when he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a young girl. This earlier conviction underscored a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning decades.

The recent offences involved Hillier coercing the victim into performing a sexual act on him, which he then rewarded with a mere 20 pence. Prosecutor Hugh Forgan detailed how Hillier continued to groom the girl through various inducements, ultimately culminating in an attempted rape. The victim, who was a minor at the time, did not report the abuse until 2007, nearly two decades after the incidents occurred. When Hillier was arrested in 2008, he denied all allegations, denying any involvement or misconduct.

During the court proceedings, the defense, represented by Linda Sweet, highlighted Hillier’s personal circumstances. She explained that Hillier’s late wife was a domineering woman who exerted significant control over him, including financial domination, as Hillier handed over all his earnings to her. Additionally, Sweet pointed out that Hillier was suffering from serious health issues, including colonic cancer, and was undergoing treatment at the time of sentencing.

Judge Jeremy Carey acknowledged the profound impact of Hillier’s abuse on the victim, emphasizing that such trauma could have long-lasting effects. The judge described the offending as highly manipulative and noted that the psychological scars inflicted might never fully heal. While the sentence was relatively lenient considering the severity of the crimes, it was influenced by Hillier’s advanced age and poor health. As part of his sentence, Hillier was prohibited from working with children under 16 and was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.