DOMINIC HUTCHINSON FROM ISLIP AND OXFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE

In May 2008, a tragic case of child sexual abuse culminated in the sentencing of Dominic Hutchinson, a 52-year-old man from Kidlington Road, Islip, who was convicted of heinous crimes committed in Oxford. The victim, a young girl, endured a four-year period of abuse at the hands of Hutchinson, who subjected her to rape, sexual assault, and the disturbing act of forcing her to pose for indecent photographs. These images, which he claimed to be posting online, added a sinister layer to his crimes.

The mother of the young girl, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, expressed her profound relief at the lengthy prison sentence handed down to Hutchinson. However, she also voiced her deep concern over the possibility of his early release, as he could potentially be freed after serving just six and a half years due to good behavior. Her anguish was compounded by her discovery of the abuse, which she uncovered after noticing a significant change in her daughter’s demeanor.

She recounted the moment she confronted her daughter, saying, “She was acting really obnoxiously and I knew there was something not quite right. She turned around to face me and said he had touched her. I believed her — she doesn’t lie.” The mother described her devastation upon learning the truth, stating, “When she explained to me what had gone on, my world basically fell apart. I was totally devastated — I totally lost it, all I could do was cry.”

Despite her desire to confront Hutchinson directly, she was advised by police not to do so, a decision that left her feeling helpless. “That’s something that has bugged me from day one. I have never, ever, had the chance to stand in front of him and say ‘Why?’,” she lamented. Her frustration was rooted in her need for answers and closure, which she felt was denied her.

Following the revelation, the mother was compelled to change her name and relocate her family to protect themselves from potential retaliation or further trauma. She revealed that she and her daughter were planning to leave Oxford entirely to start anew elsewhere in the country.

Hutchinson’s criminal record is extensive. He was convicted on 21 charges, including indecent assault, sexual assault, serious sexual assault, rape, sexual activity with a child, and the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The trial at Oxford Crown Court in February uncovered that Hutchinson possessed 103 indecent photographs and 102 indecent videos depicting children. His employment history includes working for a car-part manufacturing company in Banbury.

The sentencing took place at Reading Crown Court, where Judge Mary Jane Mowat sentenced Hutchinson to 13 years in prison. She also ordered that he be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and be barred from working with children for the foreseeable future.

The mother expressed her feelings of guilt and helplessness, saying, “I felt extremely guilty in the beginning, because I couldn’t protect her. I just felt so bad I couldn’t have been there for her.” She described her daughter’s struggles, including difficulty sleeping, temper tantrums, anger, and resentment, which she believes were direct consequences of the abuse. Fortunately, her daughter has since become more stable and happier, having shed much of her previous aggression. Nonetheless, the mother remains deeply concerned about how this trauma might impact her daughter’s future relationships.

In conclusion, the court’s judgment underscores the severity of Hutchinson’s crimes. Judge Mowat emphasized the lifelong consequences Hutchinson faces, stating, “You will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and you will be prohibited indefinitely from working with children.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.