BARRY HAMONIAUX FROM AVELEY AND GRAYS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF BOYS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Aveley and Grays, Barry Hamoniaux, a 40-year-old charity worker, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault involving young boys.

Hamoniaux, who previously served as the vice chairman of a cerebral palsy support group based in Grays, was accused of exploiting his position of trust by luring school-aged boys to his residence for what he described as sleep-overs, during which he committed acts of sexual misconduct. The court heard that he took advantage of the boys' trust, with the jury deliberating for nearly 12 hours before reaching a majority verdict of guilt on eight counts.

While Hamoniaux’s work with children with cerebral palsy, including organizing holidays and shows, was acknowledged, Judge Zoe Smith emphasized that this did not mitigate the seriousness of his crimes. She stated, "I take into account your work with cerebral palsy sufferers over the years. However, there has been a serious breach of trust with the boys who came in contact with you."

One of the victims, who gave evidence via a video link at Basildon Crown Court, recounted how Hamoniaux had given him whisky when he was only 12 years old. The boy, now 14, described how the alcohol made him feel "out of my head" and how Hamoniaux then molested him. The victim also revealed that Hamoniaux had downloaded inappropriate images of boys from the internet. The boy’s brother had intervened, urging Hamoniaux to stop giving his sibling alcohol, but the victim admitted he remembered little about the incident the following day.

Hamoniaux, of Hall Road in Aveley, denied giving the boy whisky and insisted he had not engaged in any indecent acts. Another young man, aged 15, testified that he had stayed at Hamoniaux’s home and was subjected to inappropriate conduct, which left him feeling frightened and embarrassed. Hamoniaux responded to these allegations with a statement claiming, "I would never harm a child or have conversations with them about sex."

As a result of his conviction, Hamoniaux’s name will be permanently added to the national sex offenders’ register, ensuring that he remains under supervision for the rest of his life. The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Aveley and Grays, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in organizations that work closely with vulnerable children.