TIM HANKINS, FORMER HOLIDAY PARK ENTERTAINER, SENTENCED IN PORTSMOUTH FOR CHILD ABUSE

In July 2014, Tim Hankins, a 53-year-old former holiday park entertainer and photographer, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of abusing a young girl with learning disabilities. Hankins, who occasionally used the stage surname Masters, had initially offered to provide weekend care for the girl to give her parents a break. However, it was later revealed that he had been secretly abusing her from the age of 11 until she disclosed the abuse to a teacher at her school.

Hankins, who had been married four times, was arrested after denying the allegations. During the investigation, detectives discovered over 400 explicit photographs depicting children being abused on his computers.

At Portsmouth Crown Court, Hankins received a six-year prison sentence for the abuse itself, along with an additional six months for possessing indecent photographs. Authorities are now urging anyone with concerns about Hankins to come forward. Ray Churchley, leading the investigation at Havant child abuse unit, stated: “Tim Hankins was in a position of trust and he completely abused that trust, knowing that the victim was vulnerable. He is dangerous and, as far as children are concerned, he is a threat to them.”

Churchley also praised the bravery of the young victim, now 13, who continues to undergo counseling to cope with the trauma. He emphasized the supportiveness of her close-knit family and expressed hope that she will eventually recover. “Her family are very, very supportive and in time she will recover. But she is still suffering. The prison sentence is good news because it will allow her to move on knowing there has been justice. She is a very brave girl.”

Hankins, who previously resided on Beach Road, Hayling Island, was a well-known personality in the area. He worked for many years as a keyboardist entertaining guests at holiday parks and also operated a photography shop in Mengham, which has since closed. Both Mill Rythe and Lakeside holiday parks confirmed that Hankins had not been employed there since 2011, and stress that the abuse was not linked to either location.

His fourth wife, Ann-Marie, has since moved away from Hayling Island and continues to stand by her husband. A former friend of Hankins expressed shock at his conviction. Speaking anonymously, she revealed: “I knew him for 15 years, and he was a rock to my family when we went through tough times. I thought he was a really nice bloke. He was very gentle. I can’t believe I’ve misjudged him so badly. Everybody loved him, they thought he was great. We’re all totally gobsmacked. It’s absolutely disgusting. I feel very sorry for the girl and her family; it’s so awful for them.”

Hankins pleaded guilty to charges of making indecent photographs of children and was sentenced to six months imprisonment for that offence. He was also convicted of two counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13, which carried a six-year prison term. However, he was found not guilty of rape, sexual assault of a female under 13, and engaging in sexual activity in front of a child. As a result of his convictions, Hankins is now on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Authorities encourage anyone with concerns regarding Hankins to contact the child abuse investigation team at 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.