GERALD HEDGES ON HAYLING ISLAND SENTENCED FOR 26 YEARS FOR ABUSE AND RAPE CRIMES

In September 2019, Gerald Hedges, a 61-year-old man from Hayling Island, was handed a severe prison sentence of 26 years after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of minors and adult women over a span of 15 years. The sentencing took place at Portsmouth Crown Court, where Judge Timothy Mousley QC presided over the case. Hedges, who had previously denied all allegations, was found guilty by a jury on July 22 of multiple charges, including seven counts of indecent assault, one child sex offence, and five counts of rape. The verdict came after a detailed trial that exposed the extent of his depravity and manipulation.

Hedges' criminal activities only came to light when he attempted to lure an undercover police officer posing as an eight-year-old girl into a sexual encounter online in 2017. The police had set up an operation on the online forum 'Disabled Chat UK,' where an officer, pretending to be the parent of a child with 'type 21 Down' and a mental age of five, engaged with Hedges. During this sting, Hedges was caught attempting to initiate sexual contact with the fictitious child, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

Throughout the court proceedings, emotional testimonies from victims revealed the profound and lasting impact of Hedges' actions. One victim, who struggled with nightmares and severe anxiety, described how her past experiences with Hedges had left her feeling unsafe and haunted by flashbacks. She recounted her ongoing battle with fear, especially triggered by alcohol and the sight of overweight older men, which she associated with her trauma. Another victim expressed feelings of shame and dirtiness, stating that Hedges' abuse had affected her entire life, leaving her feeling isolated and out of place. Additional statements highlighted the persistent nausea and emotional distress caused by Hedges' crimes, with some victims wishing they had been more assertive during the abuse.

Judge Mousley emphasized the cruelty of Hedges' actions and his refusal to accept responsibility, noting that his lack of remorse had compounded the suffering of his victims. The judge remarked that the victims might never fully recover from their ordeals but expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some measure of closure. As part of his punishment, Hedges was prohibited from working with children and was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Authorities also ordered the destruction of his electronic devices, including his laptop, tablet, and phone, which had been used for grooming and facilitating his criminal activities.

Hedges' criminal record includes 13 convictions: seven counts of indecent assault, one child sex offence, and five rapes. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court was overwhelming. His actions, which included a disturbing pattern of manipulation and sexual violence, painted a picture of a man driven by depraved motives. The case also revealed that Hedges had a history of violent sexual encounters, including a brutal assault on a woman over 30 years ago, which involved forcing himself upon her against a tree, leaving her feeling sick and traumatized.

Hedges' health issues prevented his immediate remand in custody, but Judge Mousley clarified that this was only a temporary measure. The court confirmed that Hedges would face a lengthy imprisonment once his sentencing was finalized on September 9. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to dismiss the allegations as a 'wind-up,' the court found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, condemning his actions and the suffering inflicted upon his victims.