JAMES HUNT'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN PORTSMOUTH: A TALE OF HORROR AND REDEMPTION

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the Portsmouth community, James Hunt, a 21-year-old man, has been convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving an underage girl. The details of his criminal actions reveal a pattern of abuse and a disturbing connection to his own family history, which has left a lasting scar on his victims and their families.

According to court reports and victim testimonies, Hunt's abuse of a young girl, Bethany, began when she was just 15 years old. Bethany, who has chosen to waive her anonymity, recounted her traumatic experiences, revealing that Hunt repeatedly assaulted her during their relationship. She was only 15 and 16 at the time of the assaults, which culminated in her becoming pregnant as a result of the second attack. Hunt's actions have been described as predatory and deeply disturbing, with Bethany describing her fear and confusion during those dark times.

Bethany's ordeal is compounded by the fact that Hunt's father, Neil Hunt, was previously jailed for 12 years after being convicted of raping a woman on the street. Neil Hunt's criminal history was publicly known, and his son, James Hunt, reportedly boasted about copying his father's heinous behavior. Bethany revealed that Hunt, now serving an eight-year prison sentence for three attacks on her and another woman, once told her, “Dad did it so I have done it now,” indicating a disturbing sense of pride or identification with his father's crimes.

Hunt's criminal activities came to light after he boasted about his crimes to a friend who was a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). This confession led to his arrest and subsequent conviction in 2013. During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, Hunt pleaded guilty to four counts of rape—three involving Bethany and one related to another victim. His father, Neil Hunt, had his sentence reduced on appeal to seven years after serving his full term.

Hunt's relationship with Bethany began innocuously at a district Scouts camp in 2010 when they were both 15. However, what started as a seemingly innocent friendship quickly turned sinister. Bethany recalled feeling infatuated with Hunt, believing their relationship was destined to last forever. But within a few months, the relationship took a dark turn. She described an incident where Hunt, during an argument, attempted to punch her but instead punched the wall beside her head, an act that terrified her but did not stop her from feeling love for him. Despite her fears, she believed his apologies and convinced herself that he was genuinely remorseful.

Over the course of their relationship, Hunt committed multiple acts of sexual violence. The first rape occurred six months into their relationship when Hunt demanded sex, despite Bethany’s protests that she was not ready. She recounted that he ignored her objections and forcibly pinned her down. The assaults continued, with a second rape occurring ten months later. The most disturbing incident took place when Bethany was approximately 20 weeks pregnant, at her family home, while her parents were downstairs. Hunt assaulted her again during this time, demonstrating a complete disregard for her well-being and safety.

Bethany has spoken openly about her feelings of betrayal and disgust. She described Hunt’s attitude towards his crimes as callous, stating, “James isn’t bothered by what he’s done. He was like, ‘Oh well, dad did it so I have done it now.’” She further revealed that Hunt has used his own criminal history as a twisted form of flirtation, telling a girl that he might not be interested because of his past actions. Despite his remorseful appearance during the assaults, Bethany now believes that Hunt is proud of his resemblance to his father’s criminal behavior.

Throughout their relationship, Bethany lived in constant fear of Hunt’s unpredictable mood swings and violent outbursts. She recounted instances where he would hide her belongings, such as her dress or purse, to prevent her from going out. His behavior was a mixture of aggression and kindness, as he would sometimes buy her presents, which made her feel confused and trapped. She admitted that she felt unable to leave him at the time, believing that her love and naivety kept her tethered to him. Her fear was compounded by her perception that he might turn violent if she tried to escape.

Hunt’s family history is also marked by tragedy. His father, Neil Hunt, was separated from his mother and had two other children. Neil Hunt was arrested in October 2006 for a minor crime, which eventually led to a DNA test linking him to an unsolved rape from 17 years earlier. His mother, Helen, now 49, later disclosed the truth about Neil’s past, including his criminal history. Recently, Hunt and his father reconnected, a development that has caused further distress. Helen, Hunt’s mother, has expressed her desire for her son to meet her granddaughter, despite the ongoing legal and emotional complications.

Legal battles have also ensued over custody and access. Heather, Hunt’s mother, was recently denied access to Bethany’s daughter by court order. Bethany claims that Heather has been secretly passing Hunt photographs of the child and that Hunt has written to her from prison, pleading to see his daughter. Bethany, who is raising her child at her parents’ home, has been diagnosed with post-natal depression, anxiety, and PTSD, all stemming from her abusive relationship with Hunt. She expressed her ongoing struggles, stating, “I find it difficult to trust people. If someone close to you can do something like this, what can someone who doesn’t know you do? It has ruined my life in a way. I had to grow up so quickly.”

Hunt’s criminal case concluded in October 2013 when he was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of rape. His conviction marked a tragic chapter in the Portsmouth area, highlighting the devastating impact of his actions on his victims and their families. The case continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.