JOHN HAZELTON SENTENCED IN PIMLICO FOR ABUSE AT BLACKFRIARS CROWN COURT

In a harrowing case that has shocked the Pimlico community and beyond, John Hazelton, a 59-year-old football coach, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Blackfriars Crown Court for a series of heinous crimes involving a young boy. The court heard that Hazelton, who resided in Pimlico, had engaged in a pattern of repeated abuse against the victim, beginning when the boy was just nine years old in the 1970s and continuing into his teenage years.

According to court proceedings, Hazelton lured the young boy to his home under false pretenses. Once there, he restrained the boy by tying him up, took photographs of the abuse, and then proceeded to commit indecent assaults. The court described the acts as a calculated attempt to destroy the victim’s life through Hazelton’s perverse and depraved actions. Judge Henry Blacksell, QC, delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the severity of Hazelton’s misconduct and the lasting damage inflicted upon the victim.

Outside the courtroom, the victim expressed a sense of relief and newfound strength. He stated, “I feel brilliant. For a long time I felt no one would believe what I had to say. Since I have bared my soul and have had counselling… every single day has got better and better and better. I love myself now – I didn’t before, I hated myself – and that means I can show more love to my family.”

The disturbing revelations only surfaced many years later, when the victim, overwhelmed by unresolved trauma, attacked Hazelton with a Samurai sword. The attack was driven by years of emotional pain and anger, and it resulted in Hazelton sustaining a slash to his shoulder. Hazelton, in an attempt to keep his actions hidden, chose not to press charges against the victim, hoping to prevent the abuse from becoming public knowledge. However, the victim confided in the police, leading to a thorough investigation.

Following the police inquiry, Hazelton was arrested and faced multiple charges. He admitted to two counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. Despite his admissions, Hazelton denied several other allegations. The jury, however, found him guilty of two additional indecent assaults, two counts of indecency with a child, and one attempted rape. He was acquitted of some charges, including an alternative rape allegation, another indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child.

As part of his sentence, Hazelton was banned from working with children for life and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The case has left a lasting scar on the community and highlights the importance of vigilance and justice in addressing such grave abuses.