COMMUNITY-LOVED MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND RAPE
A family man and well-known member of the Truro community who engaged in sexual activity with a girl under 16 and subsequently raped her has been sentenced to over eight years in prison.David Hobbs, aged 52, appeared in Truro Crown Court for sentencing after a jury found him guilty of six charges in early February, including five counts of sexual activity with a minor and one count of rape.
The court heard that the victim, who must remain unnamed due to legal restrictions, was under 16 at the time of the offenses.
According to court reports, Hobbs's sexual activities involved touching the victim’s breasts and vaginal penetration.
It was acknowledged that while the sexual acts were initially consensual, Hobbs raped the girl on one occasion, which was not consensual by legal standards.
Hobbs has denied all allegations.
During sentencing, the judge remarked that Hobbs had no relevant previous convictions and cited his poor health as a factor that influenced the reduced sentence.
Hobbs was sentenced to eight and a half years, with a requirement to serve at least half before being eligible for parole, and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
His defense highlighted his community involvement and family support, emphasizing his status as a hardworking and respected individual despite his conviction.
The judge emphasized the profound impact on the victim, who experienced shame, self-loathing, and anxiety, contrasting with Hobbs’s support network and positive persona.
The sentencing was partly mitigated by Hobbs’s health condition, including reports from his medical practitioners indicating he is unwell.
