ALFRED HYNDDS: HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE CASE IN MARGATE ENDS WITH DEATH IN PRISON

In a tragic development, Alfred Hynds, an 88-year-old man from Margate, who was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault of young girls, has died while serving his prison sentence. Hynds, a Second World War veteran, had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and medical professionals had previously indicated that he had only a few months left to live.

His death was confirmed by police authorities on Friday, June 27, when Hynds passed away at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham. Prior to his death, he had been transferred from a bail hostel located on Church Road in Sheerness, where he had been taken from prison due to his declining health. An inquest into his death was scheduled to be opened and adjourned in Maidstone, with the cause of death listed as pneumonia and lung cancer.

Hynds' criminal activities, which spanned over a decade, involved multiple counts of rape and indecent assault against two young girls. The court heard that he had attempted to claim victimhood, alleging that one of the girls was provocative and suggestive, and that the other had lied about the incidents. However, these claims were dismissed by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court, which found Hynds guilty on all 14 charges.

During the sentencing hearing in April, Judge Heather Norton acknowledged Hynds' age and medical condition, which included walking with a frame, and initially proposed an 18-year sentence. Recognizing his health issues, she reduced the term to 14 years. The judge also ordered the courtroom to be cleared so Hynds could be taken away by prison staff with dignity.

The trial, which began on March 10, was prolonged, with evidence presented for only two hours each day. Hynds had previously avoided trial dates in August and January, citing his health as a reason for inability to face court proceedings. His legal team appealed to the Attorney General for a nolle prosequi, which would have halted the prosecution, but this request was denied. After reviewing his medical records and hearing testimony from a hospital consultant via video link, the court determined that Hynds was fit to stand trial despite his claims to the contrary.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Hynds' sexual offenses against the girls had occurred over a period exceeding ten years. Disturbingly, he had created and used a model penis as part of his abuse. The impact on his victims was profound; one woman, now in her twenties, described her trauma in a victim impact statement, revealing that she had become an alcoholic and could only engage in sexual activity when intoxicated. She expressed relief at finally being believed, describing her experience as