ELAINE DAWSON'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORWICH LEADS TO SUSPENDED SENTENCE
| Red Rose Database
Norwich Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the Norwich community, Elaine Dawson, a woman aged 56 residing on Webster Close, was found guilty of coercing two young boys into engaging in sexual acts during what were described as 'games' in the 1990s. The abuse inflicted lasting psychological scars on the victims, leaving them deeply affected by the traumatic experiences they endured.
Details of the case emerged during a hearing at Norwich Crown Court, where it was revealed that complaints about Dawson’s misconduct had first been made as early as 2001. However, it was not until 2013 that police reopened the investigation, leading to her arrest along with her mother, Eileen Hobart, aged 77, and her brother, Paul Hilling, aged 49. The three individuals faced trial in January of the following year. Unfortunately, during the proceedings, Hobart, who was identified as the primary instigator or 'ringleader' of the abuse, passed away, causing the trial to be halted.
Subsequently, Dawson changed her plea and admitted to charges of indecency last week at the crown court. Her plea change came after the death of Hobart, which significantly impacted the case. Hilling also altered his plea, admitting to causing a child actual bodily harm and common assault. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, reflecting his lesser role in the abuse.
Prosecutor Edward Renvoize emphasized that Hobart was the dominant figure in orchestrating both the sexual and physical abuse inflicted upon the two boys. The court heard that Hobart’s commanding personality played a central role in directing the events, which were described as orchestrated acts of cruelty.
Judge Maureen Bacon, presiding over the case, acknowledged that Dawson had been under the influence of Hobart’s overwhelming dominance during the incidents. She described Hobart as the 'ringleader' who had meticulously planned and led the abuse, which made her sentencing decision more nuanced. Dawson was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for two years, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
Jonathan Goodman, representing Hilling, highlighted that the offenses occurred over two decades ago and noted that his client had no prior history of violence. The case underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Brown commented on the case, stating, 'This abuse has left the victims psychologically scarred, and I can only hope this result brings a degree of comfort to them, knowing the primary defendant died during the original trial.' He further remarked on the evolving nature of crime, emphasizing that cases like this, which might have gone unpunished in the past, are now being brought to justice thanks to advances in investigation and legal processes.
Details of the case emerged during a hearing at Norwich Crown Court, where it was revealed that complaints about Dawson’s misconduct had first been made as early as 2001. However, it was not until 2013 that police reopened the investigation, leading to her arrest along with her mother, Eileen Hobart, aged 77, and her brother, Paul Hilling, aged 49. The three individuals faced trial in January of the following year. Unfortunately, during the proceedings, Hobart, who was identified as the primary instigator or 'ringleader' of the abuse, passed away, causing the trial to be halted.
Subsequently, Dawson changed her plea and admitted to charges of indecency last week at the crown court. Her plea change came after the death of Hobart, which significantly impacted the case. Hilling also altered his plea, admitting to causing a child actual bodily harm and common assault. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, reflecting his lesser role in the abuse.
Prosecutor Edward Renvoize emphasized that Hobart was the dominant figure in orchestrating both the sexual and physical abuse inflicted upon the two boys. The court heard that Hobart’s commanding personality played a central role in directing the events, which were described as orchestrated acts of cruelty.
Judge Maureen Bacon, presiding over the case, acknowledged that Dawson had been under the influence of Hobart’s overwhelming dominance during the incidents. She described Hobart as the 'ringleader' who had meticulously planned and led the abuse, which made her sentencing decision more nuanced. Dawson was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for two years, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.
Jonathan Goodman, representing Hilling, highlighted that the offenses occurred over two decades ago and noted that his client had no prior history of violence. The case underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Brown commented on the case, stating, 'This abuse has left the victims psychologically scarred, and I can only hope this result brings a degree of comfort to them, knowing the primary defendant died during the original trial.' He further remarked on the evolving nature of crime, emphasizing that cases like this, which might have gone unpunished in the past, are now being brought to justice thanks to advances in investigation and legal processes.