GEORGE HAMMOND SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE IN WORTHING AND NORTH BERSTED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Worthing and North Bersted, George Hammond, aged 63, has been convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault and repeated rape of a five-year-old girl. The abuse took place over a harrowing five-month period, during which Hammond repeatedly attacked his young victim at his residence in Worthing, causing immense trauma to the child.

During a four-day trial held at the beginning of September, Hammond vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the young girl of lying about the incidents. Despite his protests, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault, with the offences occurring between April 27 and August 11 of the previous year. The court's decision was based on compelling evidence and the testimony of the victim, who displayed remarkable bravery throughout the proceedings.

On Tuesday, Hammond was sentenced to a lengthy term of 15 years imprisonment at Chichester Crown Court. Pierce Power, representing the defendant in mitigation, revealed that Hammond had since written a letter to the court acknowledging his guilt. Power explained that Hammond had wanted to confess earlier but lacked the courage to face the consequences. Hammond suffers from serious heart and lung conditions, and his legal representative suggested that his health issues, combined with the severity of his crimes, might mean he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Power remarked, “Given his life expectancy, he may die in prison. What he has done may forfeit his life,” emphasizing that many would see this outcome as justified.

It was also noted that Hammond’s actions appeared to be influenced by feelings of loneliness following the death of his wife in January 2007. Judge Charles Byers addressed the court, expressing the importance of reflecting society’s horror at such appalling abuse. He stated, “She was so innocent and you thought she would not tell. You relied throughout your trial on her tender years in the hope that no-one would believe her.” The judge’s comments underscored the gravity of the offense and the betrayal of trust involved.

The mother of the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke publicly about her daughter’s resilience and strength in coping with the traumatic ordeal. She praised her daughter’s bravery in giving evidence via video link and described her as a “happy-go-lucky little girl” who is remarkably strong for her age. The mother expressed her relief that justice has been served, saying, “It’s so difficult. Being five years old and having to go through the video-link and everything was so traumatic. When she spoke up in court, they said she was absolutely fantastic. She knew exactly what had happened to her and was not afraid to open up. It’s nice it’s all done with and justice has been done for her sake.”

However, the mother also condemned Hammond for forcing her daughter to endure the trial. She described his subsequent letter of confession, written after his conviction, as “sick.” She shared that her daughter had been informed about the sentence and understood its significance. The young girl had even expressed her wishes, telling her mother, “I hope he goes to prison for a long time, mummy. I don’t want him doing this to other children.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and protection for vulnerable children.