JAMES HOCKING SCOTLAND'S DUNDEE PREDATOR LOCKED UP FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Dundee, James Hocking, a 35-year-old man with a troubling history of abusing children under his care, was sentenced to more than three years in prison for his heinous crimes.The abuse spanned several years and involved two young girls, aged just eight and nine at the time, whom he targeted while acting as a trusted family friend.
Hocking’s predatory behavior was carried out in the privacy of the girls’ home, taking advantage of their mother’s absence during work or shopping trips.
The court heard that he would assault the children repeatedly, only ceasing his abuse when he heard the sound of the mother returning home, indicating a calculated effort to hide his actions.
The girls’ mother, visibly distressed and furious, publicly branded Hocking a monster as he was led away in handcuffs at Dundee Sheriff Court, screaming, “rot in hell you paedophile.” According to prosecutor Eilidh Robertson, Hocking’s victims endured repeated sexual abuse.
The first girl was subjected to his acts “a few times a week,” with Hocking performing sexual acts on her during these encounters.
The court was told that he would only stop when he heard the buzzer signaling her mother’s return.
The second girl later disclosed that Hocking would target her when she was left alone with him, removing his trousers and forcing her to sit on his lap while engaging in sexual acts.
It was only in 2015 that the first girl found the courage to come forward and report the abuse.
However, due to insufficient evidence, Hocking was initially released.
It was months later that the second girl, who had seen Hocking in Dundee city center and become anxious, finally revealed the full extent of her suffering.
Her testimony confirmed the horrifying details of her victimization at his hands.
Hocking, who is currently detained at HMP Perth, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices, sexual assault, and failing to appear at an earlier court hearing.
His defense solicitor, John Boyle, acknowledged that Hocking was reluctant to discuss the specifics of his offenses, stating, “He accepts wrongdoing but is uncomfortable discussing the specific allegations.” The lawyer also noted that Hocking’s issues remain unaddressed, and he is considered a high risk of reoffending unless proper intervention is undertaken.
Earlier in October 2017, additional details emerged about Hocking’s exploitation of trust.
It was revealed that he had been left in charge of the two young girls in 2010 while their mother was at work.
During this period, Hocking committed multiple sexual offenses, including touching their private parts and coercing one girl to perform a sex act on him.
The court heard that both victims later confided in their mother about the abuse, which had occurred over several years.
One of the girls, who was nine at the time, was visibly upset after seeing Hocking in Dundee city center years later, prompting her to disclose her ordeal.
Hocking’s background includes living in homeless men’s shelters in England before his arrest in Cheshire earlier this year.
He was brought before Dundee Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to four charges spanning from 2010 to 2013 at various addresses in Dundee.
He appeared in court dressed in joggers and a fleece, maintaining an emotionless demeanor as the charges were read.
The court did not grant bail, and Sheriff Alastair Carmichael deferred sentencing until October 31 to await reports.
Hocking was remanded into custody, where he will remain until the sentencing hearing, and he has been placed on the sex offenders register, marking a grim chapter in his criminal history.
