DAVID HUTCHINSON'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN STOCKTON: VICTIMS REVEAL DEEP SCARS AND JUSTICE SERVED
In April 2019, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving David Hutchinson, a man from Stockton, came to light as he was finally brought to justice for his heinous crimes committed over two decades earlier.Hutchinson, aged 66 at the time of sentencing, had preyed on two young boys during the late 1990s, grooming them with alcohol and cigarettes before subjecting them to repeated acts of molestation.
According to court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, Hutchinson, who was in his 30s and 40s during the period of abuse, used threats and intimidation to maintain control over his victims.
On one occasion, he threatened one of the boys with violence, and on another, he brandished a knife, further instilling fear and helplessness in the young victims.
The court heard powerful statements from the survivors, who have since grown into adults, describing the profound and lasting impact of Hutchinson’s actions.
One of the victims, who requested anonymity for legal reasons, expressed the enduring trauma caused by Hutchinson’s abuse.
He stated, “This had a massive effect on my life even to this day.
What this man had done no words can really explain.
He took away my childhood and early adulthood.
I’ve lived in constant fear throughout my life he would carry out the threats he used to make.” He revealed that he turned to alcohol as a way to cope with the pain, which ultimately led to the end of his career.
Despite overcoming substance abuse and becoming drug-free after a long struggle, he described how the abuse left him with deep emotional scars, difficulties forming sexual relationships, and a pervasive mistrust of others, especially men.
The survivor also shared that he developed psychosis, hearing voices that called him names and urged him to harm himself or others, illustrating the severe psychological toll Hutchinson’s abuse inflicted.
“Bad memories continue to eat away at you,” he lamented.
The second victim described feeling trapped and isolated, unable to establish meaningful relationships with women and lacking anyone to confide in.
He blamed himself for his struggles, kept his private life hidden, and tried to bury his painful past by starting a new relationship.
However, he acknowledged that the memories never truly fade, and the emotional damage persists.
“To this day I feel I messed my life up.
I feel damaged mentally.
I’m glad this came to light.
I’ve had so much help and support.
I’m doing the best I can with my life.
I still have a way to go to be truly happy,” he said.
Initially, Hutchinson denied the allegations, claiming he was “shocked and upset” by the accusations.
He argued that he did not understand why the boys would make such claims and suggested they might have mental health issues.
However, during the trial, he later admitted to six charges of indecent assault.
Judge Deborah Sherwin addressed Hutchinson directly, stating that he had abused the boys when they were “not able to resist,” emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims.
She highlighted the deep psychological harm caused by his actions, noting, “The effect of this sort of offending does run deep.” As a result, Hutchinson was sentenced to six years in prison.
Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victims or approaching within 100 meters of their homes.
He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
