RETIRING HEADTEACHER DAVID JOHN HAMPSHIRE SENTENCED IN YORK FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A retired headteacher, David John Hampshire, has been sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing two young children, York Crown Court has heard. Judge Simon Hickey told Hampshire, 84, that he remains a significant risk of reoffending despite his age. Hampshire faced multiple charges, including one count of rape, three additional rape charges, five sexual assaults, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and indecent assault.

The court was informed that Hampshire conducted a "campaign of rape" against one of the children, who reported that the abuse had a severe impact on their mental health and personal relationships. The second victim, who was younger, was also subjected to abuse. Hampshire had previously been cautioned for the sexual assault of a third child.

When police arrested him, they discovered a large amount of child sexual abuse material on his computer, including over 2,000 searches conducted over ten years.

Hampshire admitted to experiencing a mental breakdown that led to his career change from headteacher to accountant. He claimed that he could not achieve an erection due to medication and denied any sexual interest in children, instead blaming others for the images on his laptop.

He was sentenced to 22 years and eight months in prison and will be registered as a sex offender for life. Hampshire has health issues and has no contact with his family. The judge highlighted the victims' fears and the lasting effect of the abuse, stating it was "shocking to know (the older victim) was frightened to speak out." The court emphasized Hampshire's age, health problems, and the substantial risk he poses of reoffending. The case was reported by Megi Rychlikova, Court Reporter.