HEMEL HEMPSTEAD PAEDOPHILE IAN MCDONALD FLEEING COURT AFTER CHILD ABUSE VERDICT

In April 2014, a dramatic incident unfolded at St Albans Crown Court involving Ian McDonald, a man from Hemel Hempstead, who made a desperate attempt to evade justice during a highly sensitive case. McDonald, aged 39 and residing in The Heights, Hemel Hempstead, was on trial for the sexual abuse of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Hemel Hempstead back in December 2002. The proceedings had been ongoing for three days when, amid the jury’s deliberation, McDonald suddenly decided to escape from the courtroom.

According to reports, McDonald’s panic was triggered by the jury, composed of eight women and four men, preparing to deliver their verdict. Although the jury had not yet reached a decision, they had posed a question to the judge, which was a routine part of the deliberation process. Sensing that the verdict might be unfavorable, McDonald took swift action to flee the scene.

Hayley Smith, who was acting as McDonald’s carer, was present in the public gallery during the trial. Witnesses saw her drive McDonald away from the court premises in his mobility car. She then dropped him off at St Albans Station, after which he disappeared from sight. Smith, who lives in The Heights, Hemel Hempstead, was later arrested after returning to the court, where she was brought before the judge and admitted to a charge of contempt of court. The presiding judge, Stephen Gullick, ordered her to spend the night in prison.

Meanwhile, police officers had been actively searching for McDonald, having made inquiries at multiple addresses in Hemel Hempstead. Their efforts bore fruit when, at approximately 10:30 pm on the same Friday night, they located him at one of these addresses and took him into custody. The police launched a manhunt for McDonald, who was now wanted for absconding during a criminal trial.

Subsequently, the jury returned a verdict of guilty against McDonald, who was also of The Heights, Hemel Hempstead. The court found him guilty of indecently assaulting the young girl in Hemel Hempstead in December 2002. The judge, Stephen Gullick, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “The defendant has absconded. I have issued a warrant for his arrest.”

During the sentencing phase, McDonald’s defense lawyer, Elroy Claxton, requested that the court proceed with sentencing in his absence, arguing that a report would not be beneficial. It was noted that McDonald had no prior convictions related to sex offenses, although he did have convictions for dishonesty. Judge Gullick sentenced him to four years in prison in his absence and ordered that he must register as a sex offender for life. The judge underscored the seriousness of the crime, remarking, “This was an extremely serious offence against a young girl.”

In a related development, Hayley Smith, aged 29, was brought before the court after spending the night in Peterborough Prison. She had provided police with a mobile number for McDonald and expressed remorse, stating, “If I was aware of the consequences of the position I put myself in, it wouldn’t have happened.” Smith, who had been McDonald’s carer for approximately four to five years, explained that McDonald had attempted to escape earlier in the trial but she managed to persuade him to stay. The judge sentenced her for facilitating his escape, emphasizing the gravity of her actions, and ordered her to serve time for her role in aiding the defendant’s absence.

Police continue their efforts to locate Ian McDonald, urging the public to assist in their investigation. Giles Cooper, a spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary, appealed for witnesses to come forward. He stated, “Anyone who knows of his whereabouts or believes they have seen him should contact police immediately on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.” The case remains a stark reminder of the serious consequences of attempting to evade justice in cases involving child abuse.