ANDREW HUNT SENTENCED IN BOVINGTON FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULTS

In May 2011, a man named Andrew John Hunt, aged 46, was sentenced to a year in prison following his conviction for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Bovington. The incident, which took place over a period spanning from June 30 to November 1, 2009, led to Hunt admitting to two separate counts of sexual assault against the same young victim.

Prosecutor Clifford Grier outlined the details of the case during the sentencing at Dorchester Crown Court. He explained that the first charge involved Hunt squeezing the girl’s bottom, an act that was witnessed and reported. The second charge was more serious, involving a pattern of inappropriate conduct over approximately three weeks, during which Hunt repeatedly touched the girl in a sexual manner. Mr. Grier detailed that Hunt had felt her breasts and had placed his hands down her pyjama trousers, although the girl was wearing underwear at the time, and there was no direct contact with her naked flesh.

The young girl eventually confided in her mother about the abuse. Following her disclosure, her mother confronted Hunt, who initially denied the allegations. In an effort to clear his name, Hunt volunteered to undergo a lie detector test in September of the previous year, even offering to pay for it himself, claiming he had nothing to hide. When asked if he had inappropriately touched the girl’s backside and breasts or engaged in sexual touching, Hunt answered “no” to each question. However, the lie detector test results contradicted his denials, revealing that he had indeed engaged in the inappropriate conduct.

After the test, Hunt took responsibility for his actions and handed himself into the police, providing full admissions regarding the offences. His solicitor, Robert Griffiths, described Hunt as a man of previously good character, residing at North Street, Crewkerne. Mr. Griffiths expressed that Hunt was unable to explain his behaviour, stating, “It is extremely difficult for the defendant to explain why he behaved in the way that he did – he simply doesn’t know.” He added that Hunt now recognized the wrongfulness of his actions and expressed a desire to be punished, stating, “He has a desire very strongly within him to see himself punished.”

Judge Roger Jarvis addressed Hunt directly during sentencing, emphasizing the lasting impact his actions would have on the victim. The judge remarked that the girl would likely be left bewildered and that the emotional damage inflicted would be enduring. As a result, Hunt was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Michelle Underwood of the Weymouth child abuse investigation team praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward. She stated, “We would like to praise the victim for her strength and courage to come forward. In doing so her actions have protected others from being potential victims themselves.” DC Underwood also encouraged other victims of sexual or physical abuse to contact her team confidentially at 01305 222777, emphasizing the importance of reporting such crimes to ensure justice and protection for others.