BEN HILL FROM NORTHERN IRELAND SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT IN AUSTRALIA

In August 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving a man born in Northern Ireland who committed a heinous sexual offense on a young girl in Australia. The individual, identified as Ben Hill, was staying overnight at a woman’s residence in Geelong, Victoria, for the first time when he committed his crimes. According to reports, Hill entered the girl’s bedroom on two separate occasions and subjected her to sexual assault, actions that have left a lasting scar on the young victim.

During the incident, Hill, then aged 30, allegedly told the nine-year-old girl, “Don’t tell anyone. It’s our little secret,” in an attempt to silence her and conceal his actions. The gravity of his offenses was recognized in court, leading to his sentencing to a term of 12 years and three months in prison. The court also set a non-parole period of nine months, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.

At a pre-sentencing hearing held in July, the court was informed that Hill, who holds permanent residency in Australia, was likely to be deported back to Northern Ireland once his sentence concluded. Defense lawyer Alan Marshall argued that Hill’s potential deportation would make his time in custody more burdensome, as Hill’s mother and friends reside in Australia, and he has established roots in the country.

Prosecutor Andrew McKenry emphasized the profound and lasting impact of Hill’s actions on the young victim, describing the crimes as “grave” and highlighting the enduring trauma inflicted upon her. The judge, Mullaly, described Hill’s offenses as “very serious” sexual crimes and condemned his actions as a gross violation of trust. The judge stated, “You comprehensively shattered that sense of what is an integral part of normal domestic life and childhood. You were in a trusted position and you gravely abused that trust.”

The court was also told that the victim’s mother observed her daughter becoming withdrawn, distrustful of men, and suffering from frequent nightmares related to the abuse. The judge remarked that such offenses are a mother’s, and a woman’s, greatest fear, underscoring the devastating impact of Hill’s actions.

Further context revealed that Hill had a troubled upbringing after moving from Northern Ireland to Australia as a young boy. He struggled to integrate into Australian society and was expelled from school in Year 10. The court noted that Hill suffers from borderline personality disorder and PTSD, factors that complicate his incarceration. The judge acknowledged that Hill’s mental health issues, combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of deportation, would make his prison experience more challenging.

Judge Mullaly emphasized that the sentence was also intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar evil acts of child abuse, reinforcing the seriousness with which the justice system treats such offenses.