NICHOLAS HOBBS CALLINGTON PERVERT'S SENTENCE UPHELD BY TOP JUDGES

In March 2013, a significant legal decision was made regarding Nicholas Hobbs, a man from Callington, who had been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. Hobbs, whose crimes only came to light after years of silence, was found guilty of abusing four young girls, one of whom was only four years old at the time of her victimization.

Following his guilty plea to 17 counts of indecent assault at Truro Crown Court last year, Hobbs, aged 50, was sentenced on September 7 to serve three years and four months in prison. The sentencing was delivered by Recorder Paul Dunkels, QC, who expressed profound regret over the impact of Hobbs' actions. He stated, “You threatened them to secure their silence. No sentence I can pass can give back these women, as they are now, the innocence of youth which you took away.”

Hobbs subsequently appealed his conviction and sentence, seeking to be released into the community. However, on Friday, March 15, his appeal was firmly rejected by the Court of Appeal in London, with Mr. Justice Mackay and Judge James Moss, QC, upholding the original sentence. Judge Moss emphasized that the punishment was “wholly merited” given the nature and duration of the offenses, which spanned over a 16-year period and involved four victims.

Hobbs, who resides at West Prince Farm, Sevenstones, near Callington, attempted to justify his actions by claiming that his abuse was driven by “curiosity.” All four girls, who have since spoken out about their experiences, described how Hobbs touched their private parts and how these traumatic events have left lasting scars, affecting their lives well into adulthood.

The sentencing judge dismissed Hobbs’ explanation, asserting that his motives were rooted in sexual gratification rather than curiosity. The court described his conduct as “manipulative grooming,” aimed at positioning himself to commit these assaults and robbing the victims of their innocence. The judge’s comments underscored the severity of the crimes and the calculated nature of Hobbs’ offending.

Hobbs’ legal representatives argued that the sentence was “wrong in principle” and that he should be given an opportunity for treatment within the community. Nonetheless, the Court of Appeal dismissed these arguments, with Judge Moss stating, “The sentence, albeit tough, was not arguably manifestly excessive.”

As part of his ongoing restrictions, Hobbs is now prohibited from residing in the same household as any child under 18 unless explicitly approved by social services. He is also barred from having contact with children under 18 unless such contact is unavoidable in daily life or with the consent of a parent or guardian who is aware of his conviction. These measures are intended to prevent any further harm and to protect vulnerable minors from potential reoffending.