FRANK HARGREAVES OF CLEETHORPES SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In April 2014, a disturbing case unfolded in Cleethorpes involving a local sex offender, Frank Hargreaves, who was ultimately sentenced to nine years in prison for his heinous crimes against two young children. The case drew significant attention from the community and the courtroom, highlighting the severity of his offenses and the emotional toll on the victims.

Hargreaves, aged 63 and residing on Brian Avenue in Cleethorpes, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the abuse of a young boy and a girl. His background as a docks worker and former deep-sea fisherman added a layer of shock to the case, given his seemingly ordinary life prior to the allegations.

The jury at Grimsby Crown Court convicted Hargreaves of seven separate offences. These included an attempted serious sexual offence against the boy, four counts of indecency involving the same child, and two counts of indecency with the girl. Despite the convictions, the jury acquitted him of other serious allegations, including the rape of the girl and offences involving two additional female complainants. Throughout the trial, Hargreaves maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him.

During the proceedings, Hargreaves’ mental health appeared to be significantly affected. His defense lawyer, Robert Underwood, explained that Hargreaves had been