MIDWAY SEX OFFENDER MALCOLM HEWITT SENTENCED FOR BOMB PLOT AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Midway community, Malcolm Hewitt, a 34-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following his involvement in a dangerous plot and a series of reckless acts. Hewitt, residing on Chestnut Avenue in Midway, was convicted of conspiring to detonate explosive devices at his ex-wife’s residence, a scheme that revealed his disturbing intent and reckless behavior.

Hewitt’s criminal activities came to light after authorities uncovered his purchase of explosive chemicals via the internet, which he intended to use in his malicious plan. The court heard that he had been making crude pipe bombs, one of which he detonated in his own backyard, demonstrating a disturbing familiarity with explosive devices. Witnesses, including his former partner Rebecca Spencer, observed Hewitt mixing chemicals in significant quantities, raising concerns about the potential danger he posed to others.

The case was further complicated by Hewitt’s previous actions, including an incident in July where he spray-painted graffiti accusing his ex-wife, Lindsey Hewitt, of being a paedophile. This act was carried out near her home and involved a 15-year-old accomplice, breaching a non-molestation order that was in place to protect her. The graffiti incident was a clear indication of Hewitt’s disregard for legal restrictions and his impulsive nature.

During the court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Judge John Burgess described Hewitt as “immature, needy, childish and impulsive,” highlighting his erratic and unpredictable behavior. The judge noted that Hewitt’s actions, including the purchase of chemicals in large quantities and the homemade pipe bomb explosion, demonstrated a significant risk to public safety. Despite the bombs’ lack of sophistication and Hewitt’s failure to use them against actual victims, the judge emphasized the potential danger posed by his reckless conduct.

Hewitt’s defense attorney, David Webster, argued that Hewitt’s character was unusual but not necessarily indicative of future harm, stating, “Your honour may think Hewitt presents as someone of an enigmatic, unusual and even odd character. He probably wouldn’t argue against that and if he did he’d fail, but the world is full of strange people who don’t go on to commit serious harm.” However, the court was unconvinced, citing Hewitt’s history of dishonesty, harassment, sexual offenses, and his recent threats against his ex-wife as evidence of his potential for future harm.

In sentencing, Hewitt received an eight-year prison term, with an additional four years on extended license, reflecting the court’s assessment of him as a “significant risk” to others. The judge took into account that Hewitt had not used the bombs against any victims and that his actions, while dangerous, lacked the level of sophistication to cause mass harm. Hewitt was also convicted in October of possessing explosive substances with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property. He will serve half of his prison sentence in custody and the remaining half on license.

Additional sentences included nine months each for breaches of a non-molestation order, four months for driving while disqualified, and two months for thefts. All these sentences will run concurrently with his primary sentence, with 230 days deducted for time already served in remand. Hewitt was also subjected to a restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting his ex-wife Lindsey Hewitt, his former partner Rebecca Spencer, and the 15-year-old youth involved in the graffiti incident. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of Hewitt’s actions and the ongoing concern for community safety in Midway.