ROGER HUNTER'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX CRIMES IN SALTASH REJECTED BY TOP JUDGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Saltash, 68-year-old Roger Keith Hunter faced the full weight of justice after a series of heinous child sex offenses. Hunter, a former boiler engineer residing on Warfelton Gardens in Saltash, was convicted in November 2012 at Truro Crown Court for a disturbing pattern of abuse involving two young girls under the age of 16. His crimes spanned several years, from 1984 to 2011, and included acts of indecent assault, indecency, and the production of child pornography.

Hunter’s sentencing was severe: he received a 12-year prison term, a decision that was met with some controversy and later challenged in an appeal. During the appeal hearing held on Wednesday, May 1, Hunter’s legal representatives argued that the sentence was excessively harsh, claiming that Hunter’s conduct was not oppressive and that he had not raped his victims. His defense also highlighted Hunter’s personal history, describing him as a man of good character who was “very gentle” with the girls and suggesting that his actions were driven by a warped perception of his behavior.

His barrister, Michael Melville-Shreeve, told the Court of Appeal that Hunter was “as destroyed a man as could be” and emphasized his “gentle” treatment of the victims, asserting that Hunter believed his actions held some form of misguided value. The court was informed that Hunter’s crimes only came to light after one of the girls, who was experiencing behavioral issues at school, disclosed the abuse. This revelation led to Hunter’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

During the appeal, Melville-Shreeve argued that the 12-year sentence was disproportionate, especially considering Hunter’s health issues, including partial blindness and other disabilities. He also pointed out that Hunter had lost everything—his wife, children, and reputation—once his crimes were uncovered.

However, the Court of Appeal, comprising Sir Geoffrey Grigson, Lord Justice Leveson, and Mr Justice Foskett, dismissed the appeal. Sir Geoffrey Grigson stated that Hunter had caused “untold damage” and affirmed that the original sentence was appropriate given the severity of his offenses. The judges upheld the 12-year term, which meant Hunter would serve more than half of his sentence before being eligible for release on license.

It was noted that Hunter’s convictions included serious charges such as indecent assault, indecency, and the making of child pornography. One of his convictions for indecency was later quashed on technical grounds, but this did not alter the overall length of his sentence.

Reflecting on Hunter’s case, Judge John Neligan, who sentenced him in November 2012, had previously described Hunter’s crimes as deeply damaging. Hunter had pleaded guilty to 15 charges, and Judge Neligan imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order along with a lifelong requirement to sign the sex offenders register. The judge also acknowledged Hunter’s remorse and his guilty pleas, which spared his victims from having to testify in court.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Neligan highlighted that Hunter’s abuse was uncovered after one of the girls exhibited troubling behaviors such as stealing, running away from home, and appearing emotionally distraught. Hunter’s health issues and the loss of his good character were also taken into account during sentencing, painting a picture of a man who had fallen from grace due to his actions.