NICHOLAS HILES FROM KILPECK SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS IN HEREFORDSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Kilpeck and the wider Herefordshire area, Nicholas Hiles, a 45-year-old man, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences involving young girls. The disturbing details of his misconduct emerged during a court hearing at Worcester Crown Court, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years.

According to court reports, Hiles took pleasure in exposing himself to his victims. One particularly troubling incident involved him exercising naked in front of two young girls on a rowing machine, an act that demonstrated his blatant disregard for boundaries and the safety of minors. Prosecutor Gareth Walters outlined that Hiles had also attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with a schoolgirl after persuading her to perform a sex act on him, further illustrating the extent of his predatory conduct.

The case took a significant turn when, in December 2008, Hiles, who was already under a court order for harassing a partner, confided in his probation officer about his past crimes. This confession led to his guilty plea on nine counts of indecency with a child and one count of attempted rape. The court heard that Hiles had a troubling history, with police investigations dating back to 1999, yet he continued to offend until 2004, despite the earlier scrutiny.

Judge Alistair McCreath described Hiles as having an “unhealthy interest in young girls,” emphasizing that his actions had a deeply corrupting influence on his victims. The judge also noted that Hiles’ offending persisted over several years, even after a police investigation in 1999, which did not result in immediate charges but did not deter him from continuing his misconduct.

Details of Hiles’ personal life were also discussed during the proceedings. Mr. Walters explained that Hiles had married in 1988, but their relationship was marked by volatility and allegations of violence. During his marriage, Hiles engaged in sexual misconduct while his wife was working at a nursing home, further highlighting his pattern of abusive behavior.

In 1999, a teenage girl came forward with complaints about past abuse, but no further action was taken at that time. Subsequently, Hiles’ wife left him, and he continued his offending behavior. When arrested, Hiles told police that he believed one young girl was “showing an interest in him,” a statement that underscored his inappropriate perceptions and predatory tendencies.

Victim impact statements from five complainants conveyed the profound pain and disgust they experienced as a result of Hiles’ actions. Their testimonies painted a stark picture of the emotional and psychological toll inflicted by his misconduct.

Hiles’ defense attorney, Bruce Gray, explained that his client’s admissions to the probation officer were crucial in bringing the case to court, stating that Hiles had chosen to be candid about his past. In response, the court imposed an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, explicitly prohibiting Hiles from making contact with any child under the age of 18, aiming to prevent any future harm.

Overall, the case underscores the serious nature of Hiles’ crimes and the ongoing concern for the safety of children in the community of Kilpeck and beyond.