JOHN HARTLEY FROM THORNLEY SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN THORNLEY AND BEYOND

A man in his 50s, identified as John Hartley, has been sentenced to a prison term of eight years following his conviction for historic sexual abuse allegations that date back to 1980. The court heard that Hartley committed these offenses against a young girl and a woman over a span of two years, with some of the abusive acts reportedly taking place at a nature reserve. The nature reserve, which is located in or near Thornley, was mentioned as a location where some of the assaults occurred, adding a disturbing element to the case.

Hartley's victims endured years of silence before finally coming forward. It was only after the death of the woman’s mother that the survivor chose to reveal the abuse, which had been kept hidden for decades. The court acknowledged the profound breach of trust involved in Hartley's actions, emphasizing the lasting trauma inflicted upon the victims. The judge highlighted that such acts, committed against vulnerable individuals, have a devastating and enduring impact.

In addition to the severity of the crimes, the court noted that Hartley will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole or release. This decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the importance of justice for the victims. Hartley's case has drawn significant attention in the Thornley community and beyond, raising awareness about the long-term effects of abuse and the importance of reporting such crimes, regardless of how much time has passed.