GARY HOPKINS FROM MOLD SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN NORTH WALES

In September 2016, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse culminated in the sentencing of Gary Hopkins, a 74-year-old man from Mold, North Wales. The court heard how Hopkins, during the 1990s, engaged in a series of heinous acts against a young girl, whom he had manipulated and exploited over a period of several years.

According to court records, Hopkins lured the girl, who was only eight years old at the time, into performing sexual acts on him. He used tactics of bribery and secrecy, telling her that their activities were to remain a secret between them. To reinforce this, he handed her small amounts of money, further entrenching the grooming process. The victim, now in her late twenties, recounted how the abuse persisted for approximately four years, beginning when she was just a child.

The court was informed that the trauma inflicted by Hopkins had long-lasting effects on the woman. She revealed that from the age of 12, she turned to alcohol as a means of coping with the memories of her abuse. Her suffering was so profound that she contemplated suicide at one point, highlighting the severe psychological toll the abuse had taken on her. The court heard her emotional testimony, which painted a stark picture of the enduring impact of Hopkins' actions.

At the time of the offences, Hopkins was in his 50s and residing at Bromfield Park, Mold. He denied all charges brought against him, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial. Despite his denials, the evidence presented was compelling enough for the jury to find him guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse.

The presiding judge, Mr. Recorder Gregg Bull QC, delivered a stern verdict. He criticized Hopkins for showing no remorse during the proceedings and pointed out his smirking demeanor, which he observed throughout the trial. The judge stated, “You ruined her life. She has still not recovered from what you did to her.”

He further explained that Hopkins had targeted a vulnerable and lonely child, grooming her for sexual favors and instructing her to keep their activities secret. The judge emphasized that the defendant’s lack of remorse was evident, noting, “Whether that was a nervous smirk or an attempt to intimidate her, I do not know.”

As a result of his convictions, Hopkins was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an additional two years on licence, bringing the total potential incarceration period to 14 years. The court also acknowledged his age and health, but made it clear that the severity of his crimes warranted a lengthy sentence. The judge concluded by stating that this experience would be extremely difficult for Hopkins to endure, describing it as a “life-changing experience.”

In August, prior to the sentencing, Hopkins had denied three charges of indecency with a child and two charges of indecent assault. The victim’s impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing her struggles with depression and multiple hospital admissions as a direct consequence of the abuse. She expressed difficulty in articulating the full extent of her suffering, underscoring the profound and lasting damage caused by Hopkins’ actions.