STUART HAZELL SENTENCED TO 38 YEARS FOR THE HORRIFIC MURDER OF TIA SHARP IN NEW ADDINGTON

In a devastating case that shocked the nation, Stuart Hazell, a man with a dark and twisted history, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 38 years in prison for the brutal sex murder of 12-year-old Tia Sharp. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey, where the court heard harrowing details of the crime that unfolded in August of the previous year in New Addington, a suburb in south London.

Hazell, aged 37, was found guilty of heinous acts that included molestation, suffocation, and the desecration of Tia's body. The court was told that he had developed a disturbing sexual obsession with the young girl, who was his partner's granddaughter. During the trial, it was revealed that Hazell had secretly taken photographs of Tia’s naked body after her death, an act that added to the gravity of his crimes. Following the murder, he dressed her in pajamas, placed her in the loft of his home, and then participated in the search efforts to find her, displaying a callous indifference to the tragedy he had caused.

Members of Tia’s family, including her grandmother Christine Bicknell and her father Steven Carter, were visibly distressed during the proceedings. Bicknell was seen crying and embracing a relative as the judge delivered the sentence. Steven Carter, who had previously expressed a desire for Hazell to be hanged, clenched his fist as he exited the court, stating, “It’s not justice, justice would be if she was here.” His father, Stephen Carter, also voiced his opinion, describing the 38-year term as “not really long enough.”

Outside the court, Tia’s mother, Natalie Sharp, was seen hugging a friend but declined to comment on the sentence, simply shaking her head in response to questions. She was later driven away in a taxi, choosing silence over further remarks. Hazell, who had a criminal record as a drug dealer and thug, had lived with Christine in New Addington for over five years before the tragic events. It was revealed that he had previously dated Tia’s mother, Natalie, about a decade ago, and that he had developed a disturbing fixation on Tia.

Investigations uncovered that Hazell had engaged in covert activities to spy on Tia, including removing a bathroom door and modifying a light fitting to create a spyhole. Police also found that he had searched the internet for obscene images of young girls resembling Tia, including those involving incest and girls wearing glasses, which Tia did. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of sexual interest and predatory behavior.

During the trial, Hazell changed his plea to guilty, claiming remorse and expressing a desire to prevent further suffering for Tia’s family. However, the judge, Mr. Justice Nicol, criticized Hazell for his actions, emphasizing the severity of the crime. The judge stated that although a whole-life tariff was not imposed, Hazell’s chances of parole would be severely limited due to the seriousness of his offenses.

Mr. Justice Nicol highlighted the betrayal of trust involved, noting that Tia’s mother had allowed her to stay with Hazell because she believed he was a responsible adult. The judge also condemned Hazell for photographing Tia in a degrading manner, further violating her dignity. The court heard that Hazell’s actions had caused lasting damage to Tia’s family, especially her mother, who now struggles with trust in others.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating, “A minimum of 38 years is satisfying for both the investigating team and Tia’s friends and family. Hazell will have a very long time in prison to think about what he has done.” The case has left a permanent scar on the community of New Addington, serving as a grim reminder of the depths of human depravity.