HOWARD HAMMOND FROM HERNE BAY SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Herne Bay, Howard Hammond, a 65-year-old man, was handed a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences. The sentencing took place at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, 29 November 2019, following a detailed trial that uncovered disturbing details about his crimes.

Hammond was convicted of two counts of rape involving a young girl, with some of the abuse reportedly occurring over five years ago. The court heard that the victim endured significant trauma as a result of Hammond's actions, which spanned a period of time that deeply affected her life.

In addition to the convictions for rape, Hammond admitted to committing seven other sexual offences against the same victim. These admissions included six counts of making indecent photographs, which added to the severity of his criminal record. The evidence presented in court painted a disturbing picture of Hammond’s misconduct and abuse of trust.

Further investigations revealed a disturbing collection of digital material stored across multiple devices. Officers involved in the case uncovered more than 2,500 indecent images and videos, which were distributed across 13 separate pieces of hardware. Most of these devices were encrypted, complicating the investigation but ultimately leading to the discovery of this illicit material.

Hammond’s actions and the evidence against him resulted in a significant custodial sentence of sixteen years, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the impact on the victim. The case has garnered considerable attention within the Herne Bay community, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat such crimes.