MARK HANSON SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN COXFORD, SOUTHAMPTON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Coxford and the wider Southampton area, Mark Hanson, aged 49, has been handed a life sentence following his conviction for a series of heinous sexual offences involving a young girl. The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court, where Hanson appeared visibly distressed as the judge delivered the verdict.

Hanson, who is currently unemployed and resides on Holly Oak Road in Coxford, was found guilty of three counts of rape, along with 19 charges related to the creation and distribution of indecent photographs. Additionally, he was convicted of possessing a total of 127 indecent images, many of which included videos depicting his abusive acts. The severity of his crimes and the nature of his offences prompted the court to impose a significant sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions.

During the sentencing hearing, Mr. Justice Irwin emphasized the disturbing nature of the case. He described it as a "terrible case of sexual abuse," highlighting that Hanson had engaged in a sustained campaign of rape against a young girl. The judge pointed out that Hanson had not admitted to the offences, which had forced the victim to give evidence in court while he continued to deny his guilt. The impact on the victim was profound, with the judge noting that her ordeal had left lasting scars. Hanson’s actions, the judge said, demonstrated a manipulative and predatory lifestyle, posing a continued threat to young girls.

Mr. Justice Irwin stated that Hanson’s offences were carefully planned and driven by a desire for sexual gratification. He condemned Hanson for taking pleasure in his offending, describing him as someone who "gloried" in his actions. As a result, the judge ordered that Hanson must serve a minimum of nine years and three months before he can apply for parole or release.

It was also revealed that Hanson had previously been investigated for similar offences committed between 2000 and 2002. However, no prosecution was initiated at that time. It was only in 2005, after police raided his home, that incriminating evidence was uncovered on his computer. Investigators found that Hanson had written about his offences and had downloaded photographs of himself abusing the now 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court also heard about Hanson’s troubling criminal history, which included convictions for indecent assaults on a seven-year-old girl in 1972, a five-year-old boy in New Milton in 1973, and a 12-year-old girl in 1978. These prior convictions underscored a pattern of predatory behaviour spanning decades.

Prosecutor Andrew Houston presented a victim impact statement, in which the young woman described her struggles following the abuse. She said, "She had difficulty with relationships. She felt lonely and dirty and kept herself to herself and didn’t make friends but it was something that has improved with the passing of time." Her words reflected the deep emotional scars left by Hanson’s actions.

In his defense, solicitor Simon Edwards acknowledged that there was little he could say on Hanson’s behalf, as his client continued to deny the charges. The court also issued a restraining order, explicitly prohibiting Hanson from ever contacting the victim again. Furthermore, Hanson was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was permanently barred from working with children.

Det Con Jed Keemar, from the child abuse investigation unit based in Netley, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating that it was appropriate given the severity of Hanson’s crimes. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Coxford and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from predatory offenders.