LEO HAGUE FROM ROTHERHAM SENTENCED FOR HISTORICAL CHILD SEX OFFENCE IN SHEFFIELD
In a case that has spanned decades and brought to light disturbing allegations from the past, Leo Hague, an 81-year-old resident of Rotherham, was sentenced to prison after being convicted of a serious child sex offence that occurred in the 1980s.The conviction was handed down at Sheffield Crown Court, where Hague faced charges related to his inappropriate conduct towards a young girl during that period.
Hague was found guilty of indecency with a child, a charge that pertains to acts of a sexual nature that do not amount to full sexual assault but are nonetheless serious violations.
The court's decision came after a three-day trial, during which the jury deliberated for nearly three hours before reaching their verdict.
Notably, Hague was acquitted of two other charges—indecent assault and indecency with the same girl—highlighting the complexities and nuances of the case.
A fourth charge that was initially part of the proceedings was dropped during the trial, further emphasizing the legal intricacies involved.
Throughout the proceedings, Hague’s defense, led by Ms.
Rebecca Young, argued that the defendant’s health issues should be taken into account.
She highlighted that Hague was suffering from chronic kidney disease and relied on a walking stick, suggesting that his physical condition was a mitigating factor.
Additionally, she pointed out that Hague’s wife depended on him and was unable to live independently, painting a picture of a man in fragile health and with significant personal responsibilities.
Judge Peter Kelson, presiding over the case, addressed the court and the victim directly during sentencing.
He described the impact of the sexual abuse and Hague’s testimony during the trial as “absolutely devastating” for the victim.
The judge emphasized that although many years had passed since the offence, the emotional and psychological scars remained as fresh and painful as ever.
“Decades have moved on since the offence but not in the mind of the victim,” he stated.
The judge acknowledged the enduring trauma inflicted upon the victim, stating that she was “as scarred and damaged now as she was.” In light of these considerations, Judge Kelson sentenced Hague to 12 months in prison.
Furthermore, he imposed a restraining order to prevent Hague from making any contact with the victim, aiming to protect her from further harm or distress.
The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of historical child sex offences and the ongoing impact they have on victims, regardless of the passage of time.
