GEFF HILLIER SENTENCED IN HARTLEPOOL FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST BOYS IN THE 1970S AND 1980S

A series of convictions have been handed down to five men in their seventies, all found guilty of sexually abusing young boys in and around public toilet facilities in Hartlepool during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over a decade, with the offenders targeting vulnerable minors in a community that has since been shaken by these revelations.

Four of the men received immediate custodial sentences that collectively amount to over 46 years behind bars, reflecting the severity of their crimes. The fifth individual was given a suspended sentence, meaning he will serve no time unless he commits another offence within a specified period. Among those convicted is Geoff Hillier, aged 72, who resides on Haswell Avenue. Hillier was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault and two serious sexual offences. Additionally, Hillier admitted to possessing six counts of indecent images, further compounding his criminal record.

Other convicted individuals include Robert Black, aged 71, formerly of Derwent Grange but now without a fixed address, who received a 16-year sentence for four counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual offence. David Anderson, aged 71 from Grange Road, was sentenced to just over nine years after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault. Peter Watts, aged 72 from Oxford Road, was handed a sentence of seven and a half years for five counts of indecent assault. Alan Edmonson, aged 66 from Ibrox Grove, received a two-year suspended sentence for a single count of indecent assault, which will be active for two years.

All victims involved in the case were minors aged between 12 and 16 at the time of the abuse. During the court proceedings, one survivor detailed the long-lasting psychological scars inflicted by the abuse. The individual described struggles with substance misuse, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and a pervasive mistrust of adults, highlighting the profound and enduring impact of the offenders’ actions. Judge Howard Crowson emphasized that, regardless of whether the victims appeared to consent, minors are legally incapable of giving valid consent. As a result, the judge imposed lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Orders on all five men, restricting their contact with children and limiting their internet access to prevent further harm.

The victims expressed their relief and support for the sentences, acknowledging that many of the offenders are likely to serve only half of their terms. They also urged other survivors to come forward and seek justice, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence surrounding such abuse. Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth praised the bravery of the victims and survivors who participated in the two-and-a-half-year-long Operation Krafft investigation. He expressed hope that the convictions will serve as a step toward healing for those affected and help prevent similar crimes in the future, reinforcing the community’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable members.