EX-COWES COUNCILLOR DAVID HILL JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN 2006

In April 2006, former Cowes town councillor David Christopher Hill was sentenced to two years in prison and received an indefinite ban from working with children after admitting to child sex offences.

Hill, 59, of High Street, Cowes, pleaded guilty earlier that month to two charges of inciting indecency with a child and four counts of indecent assault.

During the sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Ian Pearson stated that Hill’s life was now in ruins, highlighting the loss of his business and respect within the community he once served as a town councillor, school governor, and greengrocer.

The court was informed that the initial two charges involved Hill exposing himself and inviting the child to touch him, while the remaining charges involved inappropriate touching.

Prosecutor Sarah Jones remarked that Hill made broad admissions but tried to minimise his behaviour and shift some blame onto the victim.

In contrast, Fern Russell, representing Hill, emphasized that her client took full responsibility and attributed no blame to the child.

She stated, “He said: ‘I am totally responsible’. Whatever he said after that is an attempt by him to explain why he did these dreadful things. He attributes no blame to the young child in this case and he wishes to pay the price for it.”

Miss Russell also acknowledged Hill’s previously good character but noted that there was no penetration involved and suggested the offences might be considered at the lower end of the scale.

She added, “His life now lies in ruin. This is of his own making and that’s just punishment. He has lost family, his business, and his respect within the local community. At this stage in life, contemplating retirement, he faces a bleak future.”

Judge Pearson acknowledged Hill’s early guilty pleas and the admissions made to police, also taking into account Hill’s past decade of public service.

The judge stated, “I take account that there was no penetration, no force used or threats.” However, he emphasized the victim’s youth and vulnerability.

He concluded, “You are not currently a significant risk to others. I do not believe these acts will be repeated, but the offences are so serious that a custodial sentence is justified. I accept your life has been destroyed, but it is necessary to punish you.”

Hill was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on each count, to be served concurrently.