BARRIE HAWKYARD'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN MARKET DRAYTON AND BEYOND

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Market Drayton and the wider region, Barrie Hawkyard, a man with a distinguished career in law enforcement, was recently convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses. Despite his long-standing service and the gravity of the crimes, Hawkyard, aged 68, was ultimately allowed to walk free from court after being found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault.

Hawkyard's background is notable for his rise through the ranks of the police force, having served as a superintendent with Greater Manchester Police. His career also included roles as a police consultant and accident investigator. Additionally, he worked for the Cheshire constabulary during a period when the force was responsible for parts of Wirral. His professional life was marked by respect and authority, making the allegations and subsequent conviction all the more shocking to those who knew him.

The crimes for which Hawkyard was convicted span several decades, with some of the assaults occurring as far back as the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The victims, some of whom were as young as 13 at the time, came forward with allegations that detailed disturbing acts of sexual abuse committed by Hawkyard during these periods. The court heard that the accused had attacked multiple victims, some of whom were teenagers, in various locations, including behind garages and in secluded areas.

Throughout the three-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Hawkyard maintained his innocence, denying all allegations and claiming that the assaults never took place. His defense argued that the accusations were unfounded, but the jury ultimately found him guilty of eight counts of indecent assault. However, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of rape and two counts of indecent assault involving a 14-year-old girl in the 1960s.

Prosecutor Robert Wyn Jones presented compelling evidence to the jury, describing how Hawkyard groped his victims, touched their breasts in a sexual manner, and kissed them on the mouth. One of the key incidents involved a girl in her late teens, whom Hawkyard drove to a location behind a garage and then rubbed her breasts for a couple of minutes, leaving her stunned and silenced by the assault.

Another victim, around 13 years old in the 1970s, testified that she was assaulted in the presence of another girl, with Hawkyard putting his arms around both and fondling their breasts. These accounts painted a disturbing picture of a man abusing his position of authority and trust over vulnerable young victims over many years.

Despite the severity of the convictions, Hawkyard was not found guilty of all charges. The jury acquitted him of the rape charges and two counts of indecent assault related to a 14-year-old girl in the 1960s. Nevertheless, the eight counts of indecent assault for which he was convicted represent a grave breach of trust and a serious criminal offense, leaving a lasting impact on the victims and the community of Market Drayton.