HON CHUNG OF EVERTON SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF CHILDREN IN LIVERPOOL

In April 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Hon Chung, a 29-year-old man from Gardenside Street, Everton, who was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes against vulnerable young girls. Chung had systematically targeted children who were already in precarious situations, such as runaways from foster homes or families, exploiting their circumstances for his own depraved purposes.

According to court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Chung befriended three girls aged 14 and 15, grooming them with alcohol and illegal drugs, including cocaine. His manipulative tactics involved offering them alcohol—one girl was made to drink an entire bottle of vodka—and providing cocaine to further impair their judgment. The court heard that Chung’s predatory behavior extended to both his car and his girlfriend’s residence, where he continued to exploit these minors.

One of the victims, a 15-year-old girl, described Chung as “someone who was always there for her,” indicating how he gained her trust. She recounted that he bought her two bottles of wine, which she consumed before performing oral sex on him at his request. The same girl was later taken back to Chung’s girlfriend’s home, where she was given cocaine by Chung’s accomplice, a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. She described her state as “falling about everywhere and smashing a pot because she was so drunk.”

Chung’s abuse continued as he stripped the girl and raped her despite her crying throughout the ordeal. He then coerced a second girl, aged 14, into performing oral sex in the same bedroom. The third victim, also 14, was called “proper gorgeous” by Chung and was pressured into oral sex as well. Chung provided money to the girls and allowed them to stay in his car overnight, but the abuse escalated the following evening.

On that night, Chung made the third girl drink a bottle of vodka and gave her cocaine, while he and the 16-year-old boy expressed their intent to “do stuff.” Despite being “extremely drunk” and experiencing blurred vision, she managed to refuse further abuse. Prosecutor Martine Snowdon highlighted her brave resistance, quoting her saying, “I’m 14 and you’re 27,” to which Chung responded, “so?”

Chung then raped her while the boy held her hands to prevent her from resisting. She only managed to escape when she threatened to be sick, prompting Chung to stop and throw her out of the car. Before leaving, Chung threatened her with death if she disclosed what had happened. Later, he drove her to Belle Vale, where she was so distraught that she threw herself in front of a passing car. Fortunately, the driver, who knew Chung, contacted him to come and collect her. Evidence collected later confirmed Chung’s DNA on her underwear, and she sustained numerous small injuries from the assault.

Chung’s criminal history included previous convictions for battery and possession of cocaine and cannabis. The 16-year-old boy involved did not have a prior criminal record. During sentencing, Judge Norman Wright emphasized that Chung deliberately targeted vulnerable victims, gaining their trust only to exploit and abuse them. The judge noted that the first girl had even attempted suicide, illustrating the profound impact of Chung’s actions. He described Chung’s behavior as manipulative and predatory, driven by a desire for power and control.

Judge Wright sentenced Chung to a term of 20 years in prison, with an extended six-year license period. The judge made it clear that Chung would serve at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars and would only be released if a parole board determined he was no longer a danger to the public. As Chung was led away, he shook his head in resignation. The 16-year-old boy was sentenced to seven years in custody. Both offenders were ordered to register on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely. The court proceedings were marked by emotional scenes, with tears shed by supporters and victims alike, underscoring the gravity of the crimes committed in Everton and Liverpool.