KIERAN HARTLEY FROM ANDERSON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN SOUTHEND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Kieran Hartley, a 23-year-old resident of Wool Pack, Shoebury, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against two teenage girls during a day out in Southend. The incident took place in May of the previous year, when Hartley met two girls under the age of 16, one of whom he was already acquainted with.

Hartley took the two girls to a beach hut located in Shoebury, where they spent the night. The following day marked the beginning of a series of disturbing events, as Hartley initiated a game of spin the bottle. What started as a seemingly innocent game quickly devolved into a prolonged period of abuse, with Hartley subjecting the girls to acts of sexual violence that have left lasting scars.

He faced multiple serious charges, including two counts of child abduction, one count of rape, eight counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. During proceedings at Basildon Crown Court on February 29, Hartley admitted to ten of these offences but denied the charge of rape. The prosecution accepted his pleas, and the court decided to file the rape charge, meaning it would not proceed to trial.

Judge Samantha Leigh, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence and expressed her concerns about the defendant’s actions. She highlighted an incident during the ordeal when one of the girls attempted to escape after realizing Hartley was asleep. According to the judge, Hartley caught up with her and, in an attempt to conceal his actions, falsely claimed she was frightened by a dog because there were people nearby.

The court heard that Hartley, who has no prior criminal record, also threatened the girls with violence and implied that they could end up in prison themselves if they disclosed what had happened. Judge Leigh emphasized that Hartley was fully aware of the girls’ ages, stating, “You knew how old the girls were. You got angry and said they were being childish, and of course they were children.”

Both victims are still struggling to come to terms with the trauma inflicted upon them, and the court acknowledged the lasting impact of Hartley’s actions. As part of his sentence, Hartley was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, which will remain in effect indefinitely, restricting his contact and behavior to protect others from potential harm in the future.