BRADFORD MAN CHRISTOPHER HARDAKER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
In a case that spanned nearly four decades, Christopher Hardaker, a man originally from Bradford, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl.The conviction was secured at Bradford Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault, with the crimes dating back to when the victim was just 13 years old.
Hardaker, now 63 years old, had been living in Dalyellup, Western Australia, at the time of his arrest.
His extradition from Australia to the United Kingdom followed a 72-day period in custody.
The process culminated in his return to face justice in April of the previous year.
The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of his abuse, which had remained hidden for nearly 40 years.
During the trial, the survivor bravely took the stand to read her victim personal statement in front of the jury and a packed public gallery.
Her words conveyed the profound impact of the abuse, emphasizing her belief that no matter how far paedophiles run, they will ultimately be found.
She recounted how Hardaker groomed her, manipulated her, and began sexually assaulting her when she was only 13 years old.
In her statement, she described Hardaker as a volatile individual who exerted control over her, isolating her from her family and friends.
She revealed that the trauma led her to self-harm, experience suicidal thoughts, and feel robbed of her childhood, innocence, and self-worth.
Despite her resilience, she admitted to feeling ongoing shame, pain, loneliness, and devastation.
Her suffering was compounded by a breakdown she experienced after reporting the abuse, as she explained, “It takes a lot of effort to keep a lid on rape for 40 years.” Hardaker’s defense had previously questioned her credibility, with him reportedly stating, “Who will believe scum like you over me?” He had also threatened to burn her alive if she ever disclosed his actions.
However, her testimony marked a turning point, and she expressed relief that her voice was finally heard, stating, “I have finally been believed and today my voice has been heard.” Judge Jonathan Rose described how Hardaker initially groomed his victim through seemingly innocent acts like tickling and touching, which gradually escalated into violent sexual abuse.
The judge emphasized that Hardaker’s actions were driven by “pernicious, perverse and perverted” motives, taking advantage of her emotional vulnerability.
The abuse began when she was 13, with Hardaker raping her multiple times over the course of about a year.
He even boasted about having a “magic touch” with her.
The court heard that he forced her to perform oral sex, an act that would now be classified as rape, causing her to vomit in distress.
Following his time in the UK, Hardaker moved to Australia, where he lived with his second wife, who was unaware of his past as an active paedophile.
The court noted the stark contrast between his seemingly normal life abroad and the torment he inflicted on his young victim in Bradford.
The judge remarked, “While you lived the good life, she has lived years of torment.” The victim, despite her intelligence and faith, described herself as “ruined and beyond repair,” highlighting the severe psychological scars left by the persistent abuse.
Judge Rose concluded that the abuse had caused lasting damage, and as part of his sentence, Hardaker was ordered to sign the sex offender register for life.
Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was issued without any time limit.
After sentencing, Hardaker was taken into custody.
Judge Rose inquired whether he would be allowed to return to Australia after serving his sentence, to which the court was informed that it was likely.
This case underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, regardless of the passage of time.
