ALAN HUNT'S SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN SWINDON: SANTA, SISTER, AND DAUGHTER'S NIGHTMARE REVEALED

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Swindon, Alan Hunt, a man once known for his cheerful role as Santa Claus at hospitals, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a long history of child abuse spanning over three decades. Hunt, aged 48 and residing in Midhurst Avenue, Park North, Swindon, had built a reputation as a beloved figure in the community, often seen riding his motorbike dressed as Santa to bring joy to children at the Great Western Hospital. However, beneath this facade lay a dark and disturbing secret that has now been brought to light through the courageous testimonies of his victims.

Hunt’s criminal activities included sexual offences against three victims, with his own sister, Tracey Hull, 41, and his daughter, Susan Hunt, 29, among those who bravely chose to speak out. Both women suffered immensely, with Tracey revealing that she and her daughter had struggled with self-harm and suicidal thoughts as a result of the trauma inflicted by Hunt. Despite the pain, they waived their right to anonymity to help others and to ensure Hunt’s actions could be fully exposed.

The abuse against Susan began when she was just 11 years old and persisted into her early twenties, even continuing during her pregnancy. Her account details a lifetime of suffering, starting with her father’s initial assault at their family home in Pinehurst. She recalls her father promising not to sneak into her room again after the first incident, but he repeatedly broke that promise, escalating his abuse over the years. Susan described how her father would invade her privacy, including washing her and entering her bedroom at night, actions that left her feeling terrified and betrayed.

In court, Susan recounted how she had to hide her suffering by wearing baggy clothes and avoiding her father whenever possible. Her fear was so intense that she would draw curtains during the day and avoid leaving the house, especially when she heard the sound of a motorbike, which would trigger memories of her father’s presence. Her trauma was compounded by her efforts to protect her own children, as she became increasingly cautious and anxious about her father’s potential to harm others.

It was only in 2007, after years of suffering in silence, that Susan found the courage to report her father to the police. Her decision was driven by her desire to prevent him from harming other children, as well as her own peace of mind. Her testimony was supported by her friends, who chose to remain anonymous but stood by her during the court proceedings. The jury found Hunt guilty of 20 counts of indecent assault against Susan, covering the period from when she was 11 until she was 23.

Hunt’s crimes also included nine sex offences against his sister, Tracey, and three additional offences. The court heard how Hunt’s actions had a devastating impact on his victims, with Tracey revealing her feelings of guilt for not speaking out sooner, believing she might have saved her sister and others from suffering. Judge Mark Horton condemned Hunt, stating, “For the entirety of your life since the age of 11, you have represented a danger to girls and women. You stole their childhoods and robbed them of their ability to develop proper relationships.”

During the sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court, Hunt was described as a man who had manipulated his community image, portraying himself as a hero to others while hiding his true nature. The judge emphasized that Hunt’s actions had caused irreparable damage, and he was now facing the consequences of his long-standing abuse. Hunt’s appearance had been altered for the trial, as he shaved off his goatee beard and long hair, perhaps in an attempt to conceal his identity.

Despite the severity of his crimes, Susan expressed a sense of relief that Hunt would now be on the sex offenders’ register, though she stated she was indifferent about whether he would serve his full prison sentence. She described her feelings of betrayal and the ongoing trauma, recalling how her father’s actions shattered her childhood and left her with lasting scars. Her account highlights the importance of speaking out and the courage it takes for victims to come forward, especially when their abusers are trusted community figures.

In closing, Susan emphasized her hope that her story would encourage others who have suffered in silence to seek help and report abuse. Her decision to waive her legal right to anonymity was a deliberate act to shed light on the reality of such abuse and to support others in similar situations. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk behind familiar faces and the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence.