DECLAN HEMPSEY SHOCKS SHEFFIELD WITH CRIME AGAINST 13-YEAR-OLD VICTIM
In June 2017, a disturbing case emerged from Sheffield involving a young girl who was tragically victimized by Declan Hempsey, a 19-year-old man from the Southey area of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.The case drew significant attention as it revealed the harrowing details of abuse inflicted upon a girl who was just over 13 years old at the time.
According to court proceedings, Hempsey, then 18, engaged in sexual activity with the girl after both had consumed alcohol.
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became pregnant as a result of this assault.
Remarkably, she gave birth just one week after her 13th birthday, a fact that shocked the court and the community alike.
The victim demonstrated remarkable bravery by facing her abuser in court and delivering an emotional statement, describing how Hempsey had taken her childhood and innocence away.
The court heard that Hempsey had ignored her pleas for help when she realized she was pregnant.
Instead of providing support or assistance, he reportedly preferred to spend his time playing on his Xbox, neglecting her distress.
The prosecution, led by Michael Greenhalgh, revealed that Hempsey, at the time 18, had engaged in sexual activity with the girl following a night of drinking.
The victim concealed her pregnancy from her parents, who only discovered the truth when she went into labor.
The girl later revealed to medical staff that Hempsey was the father, a claim confirmed through DNA testing.
Hempsey was arrested and subsequently admitted to having sex with the girl while intoxicated.
He also told police that he only became aware of the pregnancy after the legal termination process had begun.
During sentencing, Judge Robert Bartfield expressed his condemnation of Hempsey’s actions, describing the case as a tragedy for all involved.
The judge criticized Hempsey for knowing the girl had been drinking and for choosing to ignore her pleas, instead prioritizing his own leisure activities such as playing football and Xbox.
The judge emphasized that Hempsey had cast the girl aside like rubbish and left her to deal with the consequences alone, highlighting his failure and cowardice.
As part of his sentence, Hempsey was handed a five-year and four-month prison term after pleading guilty to the charge of raping a child under 13.
Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will serve a year on license following his release from prison.
The case has left a lasting impact on the Sheffield community, raising awareness about the importance of protecting vulnerable young girls from predatory behavior and the devastating consequences of such crimes.
