GORDON HUNTER FROM ASHURST AND WHITCHURCH SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF BOYS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Ashurst and Whitchurch, Gordon Hunter, a 64-year-old former police officer, was sentenced to seven years in prison for heinous crimes involving the abuse of two young boys. The sentencing took place at Winchester Crown Court, where Judge Andrew Barnett delivered a stern rebuke, describing Hunter as ‘a disgrace to the uniform’.

Judge Barnett emphasized the gravity of Hunter’s actions, stating that he could spend his time behind bars contemplating the extensive damage, misery, and potential destruction he inflicted upon the lives of his victims. Hunter showed no visible emotion as the sentence was handed down, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the crimes.

During the trial held last month, Hunter was convicted of 14 separate offences, including gross indecency with a child, indecent assault, and attempted buggery. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings, the jury found him guilty of all charges. The offences spanned over a decade, with the first victim being abused while Hunter served as a constable stationed in Whitchurch between 1983 and 1992. Later, Hunter relocated to Ashurst in the New Forest, where he targeted a second boy between 1995 and 1998. Due to legal restrictions, neither of the victims can be publicly identified.

The court heard that the first victim endured severe psychological trauma as a result of Hunter’s abuse, which led to years of self-harming behavior. The impact of Hunter’s actions was described as deeply damaging, with lasting effects on the victims’ mental health.

In mitigation, Stephen Parish, representing Hunter, argued that his client, who resides on Dene Way in Ashurst, was not considered an ongoing threat to children. However, Judge Barnett was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating, “You are a disgrace to the uniform. Both these young men trusted you as a figure of the community, somebody they felt they could rely upon.”

The judge acknowledged Hunter’s background and the fact that he had no prior convictions, but stressed that the seriousness of his crimes and the gross breach of trust warranted a severe penalty. “You used your position to gain access to these boys, and your status as a police officer dissuaded complaints and delayed the detection of these offences,” Barnett added.

Furthermore, Hunter was subjected to a sex offences prevention order, which prohibits him from being in the company of any boy under 16 unless an adult, other than his wife, is present. He is also disqualified from working with children for the rest of his life and will remain on the sex offender register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.