JOHN HART FROM HAVANT SENTENCED TO 23 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PORTSMOUTH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Havant and the surrounding areas, John Hart, a 70-year-old man from Warsash Close, Havant, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sex crimes involving a young girl. The incidents, which took place in the early 2000s, involved repeated acts of sexual abuse and assault against a girl aged between 12 and 14 years old.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard detailed accounts of Hart’s heinous actions, which spanned over a period of time and included a series of disturbing offences. The court was informed that Hart had raped the girl on multiple occasions, in addition to sexually abusing her and subjecting her to various forms of assault. The jury was told that Hart used threats to silence the girl, warning her not to report the abuse to the authorities, thereby instilling fear and maintaining control over his victim.

Following a comprehensive trial held last year, Hart was found guilty of a total of 16 counts related to child sex offences. These counts encompassed a range of criminal acts, including three counts of indecent assault, four counts of assault by penetration, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted rape. Additionally, he was convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, further illustrating the severity and breadth of his crimes.

The sentencing took place at Portsmouth Crown Court last Friday, where Judge [Name] handed down a sentence of 23 years in prison. The court also imposed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order on Hart, aimed at protecting the public from any future offending. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in cases of child abuse and exploitation.