ALLAN HEMMING SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR CHILD ABUSE CRIMES
In January 2021, a disturbing case unfolded in Oxford involving Allan Hemming, a 74-year-old man from Chester Street, who was found guilty of heinous crimes committed against a young child during the 1990s.Hemming appeared before Oxford Crown Court on a Tuesday morning, dressed in a grey jumper, facing charges that included three counts of indecent assault, acts of indecency with a child, and an attempted rape of a girl under the age of 13.
During the sentencing hearing, a statement from the victim—whose identity remains protected by law—was read aloud by prosecutor Ian Hope.
The victim described her feelings of being robbed of her innocence, stating that she felt as if she had been 'completely deprived of being an innocent child.' She also shared the lasting emotional scars, revealing that she now suffers from anxiety and feels as though 'everybody looking at her thinks something is wrong with her.' Despite these hardships, she expressed a sense of relief, noting that she had finally been able to sleep 'properly through the night' after justice was served.
Judge Maria Lamb, presiding over the case, provided a detailed account of Hemming’s interactions with the victim.
She explained that Hemming, who had been a friend of the girl’s parents, had visited her home and engaged in a game of 'hide-and-seek' with her.
The judge emphasized the disturbing nature of these encounters, stating, “She was between four and nine years old, and you, a man in his late 40s, played this game with her.” The judge further noted that it was only later, during a school sex education lesson, that the victim realized something was fundamentally wrong with the experiences she had endured.
Judge Lamb described how Hemming’s actions made the young girl feel uncomfortable and frightened, especially when he told her she would be in trouble if she cried.
The court heard that Hemming’s assaults escalated to the point of attempted rape.
The judge remarked that if not for the physical injuries sustained during the attack, Hemming might have succeeded in his attempt.
She highlighted the fact that Hemming had recognized the potential for harm and had stopped, aware that continued assault could cause visible damage, which he could not conceal.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Lamb acknowledged the aggravating factors, including Hemming’s warning to the victim not to tell anyone about what had happened.
Considering all these elements, Hemming was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with an additional year on license.
The court also ordered that he serve at least five and a half years before being eligible for parole.
Furthermore, Hemming will be subject to a lifelong sexual offender protection order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public from any future harm.
