BRACKNELL EX-HOSPITAL GOVERNOR SAMUEL HAGAN JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BRACKNELL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bracknell, Samuel Hagan, a former governor at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl. The court proceedings, held at Reading Crown Court, revealed the gravity of the incident and the subsequent actions taken by law enforcement.

Hagan, aged 69 and residing on Calfridus Way in Bracknell, was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. Additionally, he was mandated to pay a victim surcharge of £120. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Monday, May 6, 2013, within The Parks estate in Bracknell, where the assault took place.

Initially, Hagan denied the charge of sexual assault but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of his trial, which commenced on Tuesday, December 15. The court heard that the assault was witnessed by an 11-year-old girl, who saw Hagan holding the five-year-old victim against an oak tree outside residential homes. The witness asked a male bystander, “Is that man raping that girl over there?”

According to court reports, the young girl was found with her trousers and underpants around her ankles, and Hagan’s penis was exposed. However, it was not clear whether any physical contact had occurred. The male witness intervened by shouting, “What do you think you’re doing?” prompting Hagan to run away from the scene.

During the hearing, Justin McClintock, representing Hagan, stated that his client was deeply remorseful and fully aware of the shame and disgrace his actions had brought upon himself and his family. McClintock emphasized Hagan’s regret and the impact of his actions.

The court was informed that the witness contacted the police immediately after witnessing the incident. The police subsequently identified Hagan and located him at his residence. A search of Hagan’s home uncovered material and videos, which, while not pornographic, contained footage of adults with children. A letter found at the property was also confiscated; however, it was not read out in court. The judge ordered both the videos and the letter to be destroyed.

Judge Angela Morris addressed the court, noting that the young girl was fortunate to be unaware of what had happened to her and was taken away from the scene unharmed. She remarked on the luck involved, stating, “Whether the witness was right or wrong about the contact between you and the girl is neither here nor there. It’s merciful that no contact took place because the witness shouted at you. I’m bound to say this was more by luck than because of judgment on your part.”

In sentencing, Judge Morris explained that the starting point for the sentence was three years. However, she took into account Hagan’s guilty plea, which was entered on the day of his trial, and reduced the sentence accordingly. She highlighted that this plea prevented the young girl from reliving the trauma of witnessing the incident. The court also imposed a sexual offences prevention order for a minimum of five years, restricting Hagan’s activities within the community.

Furthermore, Hagan was removed from his position as a hospital governor at Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Penny Coventry, a representative of the trust, confirmed that procedures to remove Hagan from his role had commenced immediately after he pleaded guilty, emphasizing the trust’s commitment to safeguarding and community safety.