MICHAEL HOBBS FROM DUBLIN AND HEMEL HEMPSTEAD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOY
| Red Rose Database
Dublin Hemel Hempstead Sexual Abuser
In October 2000, a disturbing case unfolded involving Michael Hobbs, a Roman Catholic priest whose actions have shocked the communities of Dublin and Hemel Hempstead. Hobbs, aged 53, was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of a heinous and degrading sexual assault on a 15-year-old boy who had turned to him seeking guidance and support.
Hobbs, who was ordained into the Roman Catholic Church 13 years prior to the incident, committed the assault within the confines of his own residence while serving as a parish priest in Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The incident took place on February 13 of that year, and it was during a four-day trial at St Albans Crown Court that the jury found him guilty of a single charge of indecent assault.
The court was informed that Hobbs, originally from Dublin, lured his young victim into his bedroom before performing a sexual act on the naked teenager. The jury heard that the assault left the boy feeling "sick, dirty and crying," highlighting the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon him.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Findlay Baker QC addressed Hobbs directly, condemning his actions as a gross breach of trust. The judge stated, "When one night a 15-year-old boy sought advice and comfort from you in your own home, you used the occasion to attempt to induce him into your bed and then committed a serious sexual assault upon him. It was a gross breach of trust, not just an act of criminal self-indulgence, and it was for the boy an act of defilement and deeply scarring."
Hobbs, who had maintained a reputation of good character prior to the incident, admitted during the trial that he was "homosexual in nature, but not in practice," emphasizing that his vow of celibacy strictly prohibited any sexual activity. He also acknowledged visiting gay bars in Thailand last year in search of male companionship. Despite these admissions, he vigorously denied the allegations, claiming that the boy had fabricated the story to divert his parents' anger. The parents had reportedly discovered Hobbs had stolen a family ring and given it to his girlfriend as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Hobbs insisted that he had only hugged and kissed the boy to offer reassurance, denying any sexual conduct took place that night. His defense attorney, Elizabeth Goodchilde, argued that Hobbs was not a predatory individual and was unlikely to re-offend. She highlighted that he had voluntarily registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register and had sought help for his issues. A character witness, Monsignor Tom Egan from Archbishop House in Westminster, London, testified that Hobbs was well-regarded as a school chaplain and had no history of inappropriate behavior with children in his many years of service.
Following his conviction, Hobbs was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Hertfordshire Police’s child protection and investigation unit, led by DC Matt Barnes, commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the breach of trust. He stated, “This was a serious case of abuse of trust by someone in a position of authority and responsibility. The defendant was a respected parish priest who had been involved with three schools. The victim approached him for pastoral care and guidance but was exploited and abused.”
DC Barnes also urged any other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their experiences to the police, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served in such cases.
Hobbs, who was ordained into the Roman Catholic Church 13 years prior to the incident, committed the assault within the confines of his own residence while serving as a parish priest in Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The incident took place on February 13 of that year, and it was during a four-day trial at St Albans Crown Court that the jury found him guilty of a single charge of indecent assault.
The court was informed that Hobbs, originally from Dublin, lured his young victim into his bedroom before performing a sexual act on the naked teenager. The jury heard that the assault left the boy feeling "sick, dirty and crying," highlighting the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon him.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Findlay Baker QC addressed Hobbs directly, condemning his actions as a gross breach of trust. The judge stated, "When one night a 15-year-old boy sought advice and comfort from you in your own home, you used the occasion to attempt to induce him into your bed and then committed a serious sexual assault upon him. It was a gross breach of trust, not just an act of criminal self-indulgence, and it was for the boy an act of defilement and deeply scarring."
Hobbs, who had maintained a reputation of good character prior to the incident, admitted during the trial that he was "homosexual in nature, but not in practice," emphasizing that his vow of celibacy strictly prohibited any sexual activity. He also acknowledged visiting gay bars in Thailand last year in search of male companionship. Despite these admissions, he vigorously denied the allegations, claiming that the boy had fabricated the story to divert his parents' anger. The parents had reportedly discovered Hobbs had stolen a family ring and given it to his girlfriend as a Valentine’s Day gift.
Hobbs insisted that he had only hugged and kissed the boy to offer reassurance, denying any sexual conduct took place that night. His defense attorney, Elizabeth Goodchilde, argued that Hobbs was not a predatory individual and was unlikely to re-offend. She highlighted that he had voluntarily registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register and had sought help for his issues. A character witness, Monsignor Tom Egan from Archbishop House in Westminster, London, testified that Hobbs was well-regarded as a school chaplain and had no history of inappropriate behavior with children in his many years of service.
Following his conviction, Hobbs was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Hertfordshire Police’s child protection and investigation unit, led by DC Matt Barnes, commented on the case, emphasizing the severity of the breach of trust. He stated, “This was a serious case of abuse of trust by someone in a position of authority and responsibility. The defendant was a respected parish priest who had been involved with three schools. The victim approached him for pastoral care and guidance but was exploited and abused.”
DC Barnes also urged any other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their experiences to the police, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served in such cases.