CHRISTOPHER HENDY AND HIS SHOCKING CHILD ABUSE IN AMESBURY

A convicted paedophile, Christopher Hendy, has had his prison sentence extended by an additional two years after a court found he committed further acts of abuse. Hendy, aged 52 and formerly residing on Devereux Road in Amesbury, was already serving a lengthy prison term for a severe history of child sexual offenses, but new revelations about his past behavior have led to the extension of his incarceration.

Hendy’s original crimes date back to the 1980s, during which he subjected a young girl to repeated sexual assaults. The young victim was forced to perform sexual acts on Hendy as he threatened her not to tell anyone about what had happened. These traumatic episodes occurred when she was a child, and the abuse left lasting scars. Hendy’s actions were reportedly concealed for years until he was brought to justice following media reports that rekindled public awareness of his past convictions.

In addition to the abuse of the young girl, Hendy was also found to have sexually touched another girl on a single occasion. These two victims only came forward after hearing media coverage of Hendy’s previous convictions in 2015, when he was sentenced to 22 years in prison for a total of 21 offences, including 12 counts of raping children. Hendy initially denied the allegations involving the two girls, but on the eve of his trial, he changed his plea, admitting to charges of rape, gross indecency with a child, and indecent assault.

The court proceedings, held at Winchester Crown Court on a recent Friday, revealed that Hendy was a teenager when he committed these acts. Prosecutor Andy Houston described how Hendy would look at explicit magazines before abusing his young victim. The victim recounted how Hendy told her she was a special girl and that their secret should never be revealed. A statement from one of Hendy’s victims expressed defiance, stating, “I am not scared of you and what you did.”

Both victims have endured significant psychological trauma, with reports indicating they underwent counseling and have experienced stress, depression, and anxiety as a consequence of their ordeals. Although Hendy showed no visible emotion during the sentencing hearing, plans were outlined for him to participate in a prison course designed to foster victim empathy.

In mitigation, Hendy's legal representative, Ms Sourtsz, argued that the proceedings had caused him considerable stress and anxiety. She remarked that a lengthy incarceration would profoundly impact Hendy, describing his outlook as uncertain but hopeful. She stated that Hendy dreams of rehabilitation and hopes to rebuild his life once he is released, although he acknowledges this is a distant goal.

Judge Susan Evans addressed the court, emphasizing that no child should ever feel ashamed for something as horrific as abuse. She pointed out that had Hendy been prosecuted properly in 2015, his sentence would have been approximately eight and a half years, but she was limited by her sentencing powers in this case. Her final remarks reinforced the serious nature of these crimes and the importance of justice for the victims.

This case continues to underscore the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Christopher Hendy in Amesbury and beyond.