EDRIC HOGARTH FROM DEVIZES SENTENCED FOR REPEATED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN WILTSHIRE AND SEEND

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Devizes and the surrounding areas, Edric Hogarth, a 54-year-old man, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The heinous acts took place over a period of approximately two years, involving a young girl who was between six and seven years old at the time of the abuse.

Hogarth, commonly known as Eddie, was accused of molesting the girl while he was assisting her mother by babysitting her in the village of Redstocks, near Melksham. The allegations came to light after the girl confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation and subsequent trial at Swindon Crown Court. Despite Hogarth’s vehement denial, claiming that the accusations were fabricated and that the girl’s mother held a grudge against him, the jury was convinced of his guilt.

The court heard that Hogarth was responsible for multiple incidents of sexual misconduct, with the first incident occurring in September 2012. This particular event prompted the young girl to disclose the abuse to her mother, which ultimately led to Hogarth’s arrest. The prosecution, led by Hannah Squire, described the case as involving “multi-incident counts,” indicating a pattern of repeated misconduct over an extended period. The jury, composed of seven men and five women, reached a majority verdict of guilty on all charges after a week-long trial.

Hogarth’s living situation at the time was also brought into focus. He was working night shifts from 6 pm to 6 am as a baker, which coincided with the period during which the abuse was alleged to have occurred. The court was informed that the abuse was not a one-time event but a series of repeated acts, with the victim unable to specify exactly how long the misconduct had been ongoing.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Tim Mousley QC expressed his outrage at Hogarth’s actions. He described Hogarth’s defense, in which he accused the girl’s mother of planting false allegations, as “disgraceful.” The judge emphasized that the victim and her mother were vulnerable individuals who deserved protection and respect. Hogarth was also criticized for showing no remorse and for continuing to deny the allegations.

In addition to the prison sentence, Hogarth was subjected to a lifelong sexual offences prevention order, restricting his liberty and monitoring his conduct to prevent any future harm. The judge highlighted that Hogarth’s conduct was manipulative and controlling, raising concerns about the potential risk he posed to other children. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from predatory individuals in the community of Devizes and beyond.