STEVEN HATCHELL OF PRESTON SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE IMPRISONMENT FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In September 2012, Steven Hatchell, a 43-year-old convicted serial sex offender from Preston, was jailed indefinitely following his third conviction for child sex crimes.

Judge Anthony Russell QC, the Recorder of Preston, stated that Hatchell posed a significant danger to the public. He ordered that Hatchell must serve a minimum of three years and 187 days before being eligible to apply for parole. However, it is ultimately the parole board's decision to determine whether he can be released, based on whether he is still considered a threat.

Judge Russell described the crimes as serious sexual abuse carried out over several months and emphasized the breach of trust involved. The court heard that Hatchell pressured his young victim to keep the abuse secret.

During the Preston Crown Court trial, the victim, a young girl under 13, explained she felt able to come forward because Hatchell was serving time for a different offence in Preston.

The judge highlighted Hatchell's criminal history, stating: “This is not the first time you have been brought before the court for sexually abusing children. The fact you have now been convicted on three separate occasions of sexual offences against children is the most compelling fact which drives me to this conclusion. For the protection of the public and and in particular young children, you should be imprisoned indefinitely.”

The court also noted that Hatchell previously had convictions for abusing a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Hilary Manley, representing Hatchell, stated that Hatchell, who currently has no fixed address, did not accept the jury’s verdict and disputed some details in the victim’s personal statement.

As part of his sentence, Hatchell will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.