MARCO ASSOGNA FROM HESSLE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND FOOT FETISH CRIMES

In April 2019, a deeply disturbing case emerged involving Marco Assogna, a 44-year-old man residing on Beverley Road in Hessle, who was convicted of nearly 40 child sexual offences and related crimes. The case drew significant attention due to the heinous nature of his actions and the disturbing details uncovered during the investigation.

Assogna was found to have filmed himself engaging in sexual assault against a young girl, an act that has left lasting scars on the victim and her family. Court proceedings revealed that he also took explicit photographs of the girl’s feet, including images of himself kissing and licking her feet, which he stored in a dedicated folder on his computer. His disturbing interest extended to a foot fetish, which he admitted during police interviews, and he had a collection of 24 images of the victim’s feet.

The police investigation was initiated after authorities traced Assogna’s IP address during an inquiry into users sharing indecent images via peer-to-peer platforms. Although he did not physically distribute the images, he possessed software that allowed others to access the illicit material stored on his devices. During the raid on his home, law enforcement seized his laptop and three mobile phones, uncovering a total of 235 indecent images and videos categorized as follows: 52 at the most extreme Category A, 52 at Category B, and 147 at Category C.

Prosecutor Nicola Quinney explained to Hull Crown Court that Assogna’s online activity included access to indecent images, and he had admitted to having a foot fetish that aroused him sexually. The court heard that Assogna’s actions included repeated sexual assaults on the young girl, which he described as part of his sexual gratification.

During the sentencing hearing, Assogna sat in the dock, visibly emotional, crying into a handkerchief as Miss Quinney detailed the extent of his crimes. The victim’s mother delivered a powerful and emotional statement, describing how Assogna’s “monstrous actions” had devastated her and her daughter’s lives. She expressed her fears about her daughter’s future, revealing that her child had spoken about wanting to kill herself and was frightened about what might happen once Assogna was released from prison.

The mother emphasized the long-term impact of the abuse, stating that her daughter would require extensive professional support over the years. Despite the trauma, she expressed hope and resilience, saying, “With my love and the wonderful people we know, we will battle through this.” She also expressed her gratitude to the police for their efforts in bringing Assogna to justice.

Assogna pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, five counts of making indecent photographs, and 27 counts related to possession, creation, or distribution of indecent images. The judge, Mark Bury, addressed the issue of Assogna’s nationality, noting that as an Italian citizen, he was subject to automatic deportation under the UK Borders Act. The judge stated that the Home Office should consider deporting Assogna once his sentence concludes, describing him as a “disgusting individual” whose actions were driven by a desire for sexual gratification from his depraved behavior.

Ultimately, Assogna was sentenced to nine years in prison. Judge Bury emphasized the severity of his crimes and expressed support for the deportation process, stating, “It’s clear you obtained sexual gratification from this tawdry behaviour. You are, in my view, a disgusting individual. I would approve of a Home Office decision to deport you at the end of this sentence.” The case highlights the ongoing concerns about online child exploitation and the importance of rigorous law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable victims from such heinous crimes.