GEORGE BATEMAN FROM HULL COLLAPSES IN COURT AFTER SENTENCING FOR CHILD ABUSE
In a distressing incident at Hull Crown Court, George Bateman, a 64-year-old man from St Joseph's Drive, Pickering Road, west Hull, experienced a physical collapse immediately following his sentencing for serious sexual offenses.As Judge Simon Jack announced that Bateman would serve a two-year prison term, the defendant suddenly clutched his chest and visibly weakened, eventually slumping into the arms of a security guard present in the courtroom.
Bateman had earlier pleaded guilty to a total of nine charges, including six counts of indecent assault and three offences of gross indecency, all relating to abuse that occurred over two years, approximately 23 years ago.
The court was informed that the victims, two young girls aged eight and nine at the time, had been subjected to sexual abuse by Bateman during that period.
The prosecuting attorney, Richard Woolfall, detailed that Bateman would pay the girls small sums of money, referred to as 'pocket money', in exchange for performing sexual acts.
Furthermore, he instructed the girls to keep their meetings secret, emphasizing the clandestine nature of the abuse.
Both victims, now in their 30s, continue to suffer from the trauma inflicted upon them, a fact that was highlighted during the court proceedings.
The court also learned that Bateman, who had no prior criminal record, committed these offences at a time when his marriage was ending, adding a layer of personal turmoil to the case.
Judge Simon Jack condemned Bateman’s actions, describing the offences as 'serious' and a 'grave breach of trust.' He stated, "You took advantage of that breach of trust to carry out these disgusting acts.
These women have been deeply affected by what you did and will continue to be affected for the rest of their lives." In addition to the prison sentence, Bateman was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his criminal conduct.
The incident underscores the lasting impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims, even many years after the offences occurred.
