DANIEL HAWKE FROM BRADNINCH AND BUDE SENTENCED FOR UNDERAGE SEX OFFENSES IN CORNWALL AND NORTH DEVON

In May 2010, a young man from Cornwall, Daniel Hawke, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with two underage teenage girls within a span of just a few hours. Hawke, aged 22 at the time, was residing in a caravan in North Devon when these offenses occurred. The court proceedings revealed that Hawke had previously been cleared by a jury of raping the two girls, aged 14 and 15, but the conviction for sexual activity with minors still resulted in a significant custodial sentence.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, it was noted that Hawke maintained a stance of complete denial regarding the allegations. Despite admitting to knowing the girls, he insisted that no sexual acts had taken place. Prosecutor Andrew Oldland, however, presented evidence that contradicted Hawke’s claims. He stated that Hawke had told one of the girls, "It’s my house, my rules and I can do what I like," before engaging in consensual intercourse. The court heard that Hawke had sex with one girl in the early hours of one morning, and then, only hours later, had sex with the second girl.

As part of his sentence, Hawke was ordered to be added to the sex offenders register for life and was prohibited from having unsupervised contact with young girls. The judge emphasized the severity of the case, highlighting the breach of trust and the exploitation involved. The court also made it clear that Hawke’s actions warranted a custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses.

Earlier in March 2010, Hawke faced similar allegations when he was found guilty of sex offenses involving underage girls at his residence near Holsworthy, North Devon. During that trial, Judge Jeremy Griggs warned Hawke that he would likely face jail time following his conviction on two counts of sexual activity with a child. Hawke, dressed in a dark suit and tie, remained calm as the verdicts were read. He maintained that he had never engaged in sexual activity with the teenagers, both under 16 at the time, and claimed that he was innocent of all charges.

At that time, Hawke was living on a farm in the Holsworthy area. He was released on bail pending sentencing, with conditions including a curfew and restrictions on contact with witnesses. The court heard that Hawke had pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including allegations of assault by penetration and rape, but was ultimately acquitted of those specific charges. The jury, however, found him guilty by a majority of 11-1 of sexual activity with a child, which was considered an alternative to the more serious charges of rape.

During the trial, the court was informed that Hawke had told police he knew both girls but denied that they had been at his home. Prosecutor Oldland emphasized that Hawke’s statements claiming no sexual activity had occurred were false. The jury deliberated over the verdict on Friday and continued their discussions into Saturday morning, with the judge indicating that a majority decision would suffice.

Defense lawyer Adam Feest requested that sentencing be postponed, citing Hawke’s awareness of the potential for imprisonment and his need to continue working, including milking cows. The judge, Judge Griggs, expressed the necessity of a report before sentencing, citing Hawke’s age and lack of prior criminal history. The court made it clear that an immediate custodial sentence was inevitable. Hawke was ordered to reside at his current address, avoid contact with witnesses, and adhere to an electronically monitored curfew from 8 pm to 5:30 am as part of his bail conditions, pending sentencing.