OWEN HILL OF TIVERTON SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN NORTH DEVON

In a significant legal case that has shocked the community of Tiverton and the wider North Devon area, Owen Hill, a 54-year-old resident of Tiverton, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against young children. The conviction was handed down after a lengthy trial at Exeter Crown Court, where Hill was found guilty of 13 separate charges related to child sexual abuse.

The offences spanned a period from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, during which Hill targeted both boys and girls in various locations across North Devon. The court heard harrowing details of how Hill manipulated his victims through threats of violence, creating an environment of fear and coercion. He also employed deceitful tactics, repeatedly lying to the children to gain their trust before subjecting them to abuse.

Prosecutors revealed that Hill would often lure children by offering them chocolates and sweets, a tactic designed to disarm and entice the young victims. Once trust was established, he would take them to isolated areas where the abuse would then occur, leaving the children vulnerable and terrified. The court described the acts as both disturbing and deeply damaging, highlighting the severity of Hill’s crimes.

Following the conviction, the judge sentenced Owen Hill to a prison term of 16 years, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the need for justice for the victims. The case has brought to light the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from predators who operate under the guise of normalcy within communities. Hill’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims and serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for protective measures against such crimes.