DAVID HILLS FROM NORTHAMPTON EXPOSED AS PAEDOPHILE AND FRAUDSTER IN SHOCK HOUSE SEARCH
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Northampton community, David Hills, a 64-year-old man from Northampton, was revealed to be a paedophile following a police search of his home.The investigation uncovered 76 indecent images of children stored on a computer belonging to Hills, who has a history of sexual convictions involving minors.
The revelation came to light during a broader criminal case involving fraud and exploitation.
Hills, along with his wife Samantha Hills, aged 41, of Drywell Court, Standens Barn, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on a Tuesday in April 2013.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to charges of fraud committed between December 2010 and February 2011.
The court heard that the couple had initially befriended a vulnerable man at a local council housing meeting, exploiting his health issues for their own financial gain.
According to court records, the Hills took advantage of the victim’s trust by inviting him on a holiday, which was paid for by the victim himself.
They also dined out at his expense, further establishing a false sense of friendship.
The deception continued when the Hills fraudulently cashed cheques belonging to the victim, amounting to approximately £2,500.
The victim believed these funds were for the holiday he had already paid for, but in reality, the Hills used the money for their own benefit.
Further financial misconduct was uncovered when two additional cheques, totaling £552.99, were deposited into the couple’s bank account.
Samantha Hills, who worked as a hospital porter, also used the victim’s bank account to purchase goods online, including luxury items such as wine, amounting to over £1,132.
The couple’s scheme was finally exposed when they attempted to transfer what was described as “several thousands of pounds” from the victim’s account into their own.
A bank staff member, noticing suspicious activity, alerted authorities, leading to police intervention.
During a subsequent search of their residence, authorities discovered the disturbing evidence of Hills’ sexual misconduct.
The police found 76 indecent images of children on his computer, confirming his prior sexual convictions involving minors.
The court heard that Hills had a history of sexual offenses against children, which made the discovery particularly alarming.
Both David and Samantha Hills received prison sentences of 10 months each for their involvement in the fraud.
Additionally, David Hills was sentenced to an extra 12 months, to be served consecutively, for possessing indecent images of children.
The judge, Sylvia De Bertodano, rejected pleas from the defendants to suspend their sentences, condemning their actions as a betrayal of trust.
She stated, “This was a man who viewed you as friends and you chose to use him as a source of income for luxuries.
You were in this together for whatever you could get.” The case has left a lasting impact on the Northampton community, highlighting the dangers of exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators and fraudsters alike.
