STUART HENDRY FROM TORRINGTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN NORTH DEVON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Torrington and the wider North Devon area, Stuart Hendry, a 59-year-old handyman and former soldier, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The incident, which spanned over six months last year, culminated in Hendry being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault, including rape, and other related charges.

Hendry, who previously served in the Royal Corps of Transport and is known to be bisexual, had established a troubling relationship with the seven-year-old girl. According to court proceedings, he visited her family home in North Devon, where he engaged in grooming behaviors by giving her toys, sweets, and chocolates. These gifts were part of his strategy to gain her trust, which he exploited to carry out his sinister intentions.

Once the child's confidence was secured, Hendry lured her into an upstairs room of a detached garage on the property. It was there that he began to touch her, with the activity escalating over time to acts of rape. The jury at Exeter Crown Court heard how Hendry's actions only ceased when the girl’s grandmother, who had become suspicious, observed her sitting on Hendry’s knee with her arms around his shoulders. This prompted the grandmother to gradually gain the girl’s trust and uncover the abuse.

The grandmother’s suspicions led to a police investigation, during which forensic evidence played a crucial role. DNA analysis revealed Hendry’s genetic material on the girl’s pyjamas, with experts confirming that a significant amount of semen was present, even after the garments had been washed. Hendry’s defense attempted to dismiss the allegations, claiming that the girl had initiated all sexual activity and that no penetration had occurred. He also claimed to have been under the influence of legal highs and opium poppy tea, asserting that his judgment was not impaired.

During the trial, Hendry denied grooming the girl, insisting that he was not a paedophile and that he had no sexual interest in children. He maintained that he only showed her how the body functions, claiming that the girl threatened to scream if he did not comply with her demands for sexual knowledge. He described the situation as a form of blackmail, asserting that he believed he was not acting with sexual intent but was instead being manipulated.

The jury rejected Hendry’s defense and found him guilty of three counts of rape, one of assault by penetration, three of sexual assault, one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and two counts of inciting a child to take part in sexual activity. The court heard emotional testimony from the girl’s family, who expressed relief and relief at the verdict, with one family member shouting “Yes” in the public gallery as the jury delivered their decision.

Judge Graham Cottle adjourned sentencing until the following Tuesday and remanded Hendry into custody. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Torrington and highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators.