JAMES MAHONEY OF HITCHIN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CAMBRIDGE

In a case that has shocked the community of Hitchin, James Mahoney, a 69-year-old resident of Harkness Court, Franklin Gardens, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offences committed against two young girls over an 18-month period. The offences, which took place between August 2012 and July 2013, involved inappropriate physical contact with one girl aged 13 to 14 and sexual assault on another girl aged approximately 10 or 11.

During the proceedings at Cambridge Crown Court, Judge Mark Lucraft QC addressed Mahoney directly, emphasizing the profound impact his actions had on the victims and their families. The judge stated, “Your offences have had a physical and psychological impact on these two girls and also their parents.” He also commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward and reporting the abuse, acknowledging the courage it took for them to make their disclosures.

Mahoney, who had previously pleaded guilty, admitted to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with the older girl, with incidents occurring in August and September 2012, as well as June or July 2013. Additionally, he confessed to a separate count of sexual assault against the younger girl, which took place around September 2013. The court heard that the first girl reported her abuse to her mother, prompting police involvement in August of the previous year. Mahoney initially denied the allegations. A month later, the second girl also disclosed her experience, but Mahoney continued to deny any wrongdoing.

Victim impact statements read aloud in court revealed the emotional toll the ordeal had taken on both girls. They expressed feelings of anxiety about giving evidence but also relief that they no longer had to face the court. The case highlighted the trauma inflicted upon the victims and the importance of justice.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Bill Maley described Mahoney as having acted out of character and expressed that his client was genuinely remorseful. Maley acknowledged that the victims would carry the scars of this experience for the rest of their lives but hoped that, over time, the pain would lessen. He also noted Mahoney’s health issues, including a recent heart attack and the implantation of a pacemaker, and mentioned that Mahoney was supported in court by his daughter, sister, and friends. Maley emphasized that Mahoney had been a well-liked man, known for being lively and helpful, but that his reputation had been irreparably damaged by his actions.

Ultimately, the court imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, restricting Mahoney’s access to children under 16, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for five years. The judge’s sentence reflected the seriousness of the crimes and the need to protect the community from potential future harm.