GRAHAM HACKETT SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SWADLINCOTE AND LINTON

In a case that has shocked the community of Swadlincote and the surrounding areas, Graham Hackett, a 63-year-old man from Linton, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences involving a young girl under the age of 13. The proceedings at Derby Crown Court revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse and deception that culminated in Hackett’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

The case came to light in June of the previous year when the victim, a young girl, confided in her family about the abuse she had endured at the hands of Hackett. Her family, deeply concerned and distressed, confronted Hackett at his residence in Linton, a village near Swadlincote. Despite their insistence that he take a lie detector test to verify her claims, Hackett refused to cooperate. This refusal was a critical moment in the investigation, which later uncovered further disturbing evidence.

Following the confrontation, Hackett’s behavior became increasingly erratic. He attempted to take his own life by overdosing on tablets, an act that prompted immediate medical intervention. He was rushed to hospital, where medical staff, suspecting the circumstances, reported the incident to the police. During the medical examination, authorities seized Hackett’s electronic devices, including his laptop and tablet. Forensic analysis of these devices revealed that Hackett had searched online for terms such as “how to cheat a lie detector test,” “can lie detectors be used in court?” and “can you have personal possessions in prison?” These searches indicated an attempt to evade detection and conceal his involvement in the offences.

In court, the victim, supported by her family, was present to witness the sentencing. Her emotional victim personal statement was read aloud by the prosecutor, Siward James-Moore. She expressed her profound sense of loss and mistrust, stating, “I feel like I have missed my past, present and future. I don’t imagine ever to be able to trust a man. Thoughts of the abuse just pop into my head and it feels like the nightmares will never truly be over for me.” Her words underscored the devastating impact of Hackett’s actions on her mental health and well-being.

Graham Hackett pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual assault, enticing a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of indecent images of children. The court heard that he had also suffered two strokes and undergone two significant heart surgeries in recent years, which were considered during sentencing. Judge Shaun Smith QC described the case as profoundly serious, emphasizing the lasting damage inflicted upon the young victim. He stated, “You have ruined her young life. She has nightmares thinking you are in the room, she looks under her bed, she said it feels like the nightmares will never end. It is impossible for anyone in this court to begin to understand how she must feel.”

In addition to the 17-year prison sentence, Judge Smith ordered Hackett to be placed on the sex offender register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the devastating consequences of sexual abuse, especially when committed against vulnerable minors in communities like Swadlincote and Linton, Derbyshire.