DONALD HINDMOOR SENTENCED IN COCKERMOUTH FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOYS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cockermouth, Donald Hindmoor, aged 56, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against three young boys over a span of two years. The crimes, which took place during the late 1980s and early 1990s, involved the abuse of boys whose ages at the time were as young as nine years old.

According to the proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, the victims would visit Hindmoor’s residence, which was notable at the time because he possessed a computer—an uncommon possession during that era. The prosecution revealed that Hindmoor exploited this technological advantage to lure and manipulate the boys into his home under the pretense of using his computer. Once inside, Hindmoor subjected the boys to a series of sexual assaults, actions that have left lasting scars on the victims.

Prosecutor Tim Evans detailed how Hindmoor would show the boys pornographic images while they sat on his knee, creating an environment of manipulation and exploitation. The court heard that after this initial exposure, Hindmoor would escalate his abuse by touching the boys inappropriately. The victims were coerced into keeping these incidents secret, with Hindmoor offering them money and toys as incentives to maintain silence. This grooming process was designed to ensure their compliance and silence, further complicating their trauma.

Two of the victims provided statements during the trial, revealing the profound emotional and psychological toll the abuse had taken on them. They expressed feelings of shame and guilt, which they carried into adulthood. One of the victims recounted how Hindmoor’s actions destroyed their promising school life and led them down a destructive path, describing how the experience caused him to go “off the rails.”

Hindmoor ultimately admitted to the charges and was convicted on 15 counts of indecent assault. On 15 counts, he received a sentence of nine years in prison. The judge, Hon. Judge Paul Batty, described Hindmoor’s conduct as “appalling,” emphasizing that the defendant had groomed and abused all three boys for his own sexual gratification. The judge also condemned Hindmoor for giving the victims presents as a means of manipulation and control.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Andrea Davidson expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This case shows that Cumbria police will prosecute those who engage in this sort of behaviour. We are happy with the sentence issued and are pleased that Hindmoor will be removed from society.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators within the community of Cockermouth.