SAMANTHA HESLER FROM GREAT BROUGHTON JAILED FOR HORRIFIC ABUSE OF TEENAGER IN TEESSIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Samantha Hesler, a former foster carer from Great Broughton near Stokesley, has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in the sexual abuse of a teenage boy during the 1990s. The abuse, which spanned over three years, involved grooming and manipulation, leaving lasting scars on the victim's life.

Hesler, who was 50 years old at the time of her conviction, was accused of establishing a relationship with the young boy, who was only 13 or 14 years old during the period of abuse. Court proceedings revealed that Hesler used alcohol, cigarettes, and PlayStation games as tools to lure and manipulate the teenager into a sexual relationship. The trial, held in October at Teesside Crown Court, uncovered the extent of her misconduct and the environment she created in her home, which was described as akin to a 'party house.'

Witnesses testified that Hesler frequently invited children to her residence, claiming her intention was to foster friendships with each foster child she cared for. However, evidence showed that she often supplied the children with Budweiser beer and cigarettes, and her home was often lively with parties. Court reports detailed instances where Hesler joined the children in her hot tub, wearing a bikini, further blurring the boundaries of appropriate conduct.

The victim’s mother grew increasingly concerned about her son’s frequent visits to Hesler’s home. She observed that her son was spending an excessive amount of time there and eventually instructed him to cease contact with Hesler, who was nearly twice his age. Witnesses in the trial recounted that the victim was a regular presence at Hesler’s house. On one occasion, Hesler allegedly disappeared for hours during a camping trip and was later seen emerging from a tent with the teenager. Another witness claimed to have entered Hesler’s bedroom and seen the boy under her duvet, raising suspicions of inappropriate behavior.

There were also indications that Hesler’s then-husband suspected her involvement with the teenage boy. The victim eventually reported the abuse to police many years later, after a conversation with his wife, who mentioned her interest in becoming a social worker. In his statement, the victim described the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on his mental health and personal relationships.

He expressed that his innocence was taken away from him when the abuse began, leading to feelings of embarrassment, anger, and disgust. Over time, he developed depression, experienced flashbacks, nightmares, and a persistent fear of sleeping. His life became increasingly isolated; he confided that he mostly stays at home with his wife and children, avoiding social interactions and even giving up his business out of fear of judgment from past acquaintances. The victim also revealed that he distances himself from family members, only seeing them on special occasions, and avoids local outings with his children to prevent running into people from his past. He admitted to contemplating moving away but felt it was unfair to his family to do so.

Following a four-day trial, the jury found Hesler guilty of two counts of indecent assault. The charges included touching the boy’s private parts over his clothing and placing a condom on him. Hesler denied the allegations, but the court convicted her based on the evidence presented.

Judge Paul Watson, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, emphasized that Hesler’s actions involved grooming and the use of alcohol to facilitate her offending. As a result, Hesler was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Additionally, she was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the severity of her crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the community.