GRAHAM HAMMOND'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN GLASGOW AND WEYMOUTH: CHARITY WORKER SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF PREDATORY BEHAVIOR

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Glasgow and Weymouth, Graham Hammond, a community and charity worker, was sentenced to ten years in prison yesterday for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. The High Court in Glasgow heard how Hammond, aged 44 at the time of sentencing, exploited his trusted position to prey on vulnerable young boys, some as young as nine years old, under the guise of his community work.

Judge Kirkwood, presiding over the case, addressed Hammond directly, stating, "You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences extending from 1989 to 2002. The charges involve nine young boys at a time when you were in a position of trust. It’s clear that you abused that trust and preyed on young boys over these years." The judge emphasized the gravity of Hammond’s actions, noting that five of the charges involved sodomy, a particularly egregious form of abuse, which Hammond committed against some of his victims.

The court was informed that Hammond had established relationships with the boys through his involvement in community projects in Glasgow, specifically at the Easterhouse Fair project funded by the city council and based at a Salvation Army hall. Among the victims was a boy from Weymouth, highlighting the geographical reach of Hammond’s misconduct. The court detailed how Hammond befriended boys aged between seven and twelve at the Family Action at Rogerfield and Easterhouse (Fare) project, also in Glasgow, which aimed to support families facing financial hardship.

Hammond’s abuse extended beyond mere grooming; he assaulted some of the boys at his residence on Lochdochart Path in Easterhouse, while others were victimized during outings that he organized. The police were alerted after one of the victims reported the abuse, leading to Hammond’s arrest. During the investigation, authorities discovered diaries kept by Hammond that documented his interactions and exploits with the boys, along with videotapes of himself with some of the victims, which further incriminated him.

Prior to sentencing, Lord Kirkwood deferred judgment to allow for the preparation of background reports. These reports indicated a significant risk of Hammond reoffending, a concern that weighed heavily in the court’s decision. Hammond’s defense lawyer, Geoffrey Ford, argued that Hammond denied the social inquiry’s suggestion that the victims were in any way responsible for what happened. Ford emphasized that Hammond had asked social workers to contact the victims to clarify that he, not the boys, was responsible for the abuse.

Furthermore, Ford pointed out that the videotapes and photographs found in Hammond’s possession were not indecent or taken for gratification. They were recorded during outings and did not serve as evidence of any illicit intent. Hammond had admitted guilt early in the proceedings, sparing the victims the trauma of testifying in court. The defense also highlighted that there was no evidence of threats or violence used to coerce the boys.

In his statement, Hammond expressed profound remorse, acknowledging the breach of trust and the pain caused to the victims, their families, and the charitable organization he represented. He recognized the seriousness of his actions and the damage inflicted on the reputation of the organization. Hammond, a devout Christian from a family involved in missionary work abroad, denied that his involvement with the charity was motivated by a desire to access children for abuse. Instead, his defense maintained that his actions stemmed from a significant sexual deviation towards young males, as identified in a psychological report.

The report described Hammond as having a deviant sexual orientation that he failed to control, initially perceiving his conduct as an extension of friendship. However, prior to his arrest, Hammond became increasingly aware that his behavior was wrong. He now anticipates being transferred to Peterhead Prison to participate in the sex offender rehabilitation program, aiming to address his psychological issues and prevent future offenses.