JOHN HAYFORD'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN STANMORE: DECADES OF ABUSE REVEALED

In a case that has spanned over two decades, John Hayford, an 84-year-old man from Stanmore, has been held accountable for heinous acts of sexual abuse committed against young girls. The long-awaited justice was served at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, January 16, when Hayford was sentenced to two years in prison for the sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl, an incident that took place in 1991.

Hayford’s criminal history is marked by a disturbing pattern of abusing vulnerable children, with the latest conviction adding to a series of allegations that have come to light over the years. The case against him was reopened after a second victim, who had previously come forward in 2000, identified him during an investigation into a separate incident. This earlier allegation involved sexual abuse at an address in Stanmore in 1991, and it was during this investigation that Hayford was confronted by police in August 2012.

Following a BBC Crimewatch appeal that featured footage of him, Hayford voluntarily surrendered to authorities. During police interviews, he denied the allegations, claiming that there was a conspiracy against him, a common defense he maintained during the proceedings. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court was compelling. The victim, who was unable to be named for legal reasons, provided testimony from behind a curtain, recounting how Hayford had performed oral sex on her while she was sleeping. Her brave testimony was a pivotal element in securing his conviction.

Detective Constable Janine Stevenson, who led the investigation, expressed her appreciation for the patience and courage demonstrated by the victim and witnesses throughout the lengthy process. She stated, “This has been a long and challenging investigation for all concerned. The victim and witnesses in this case have shown considerable patience, determination, and courage throughout the investigation and subsequent trial. I do hope that the incarceration of this sexual predator will provide some closure for the victim and a measure of satisfaction for the witnesses.”

Hayford’s conviction for the 1991 assault was finalized after a trial at Harrow Crown Court on December 5. However, he was acquitted of other historic charges, including attempted rape and indecent assault on another woman. It is also noteworthy that Hayford, who now suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, was not found guilty of those additional allegations.

Prior to this conviction, Hayford had received a 21-month suspended sentence for a separate incident involving a sexual assault on a nine-year-old girl in a supermarket on The Broadway in Stanmore in 2012. That incident came to light after his daughter saw a BBC Crimewatch appeal featuring footage of him in the store, which prompted her to contact him and persuade him to turn himself in to police.

In August 2013, Hayford, then 83, was sentenced to a two-year suspended term after pleading guilty to the 2012 assault. The incident involved him approaching two young girls shopping with their parents, engaging them in conversation, and then inappropriately touching one of the girls in the groin area underneath her dress. The victim immediately reported the incident to her mother, who alerted security and police. CCTV footage confirmed the assault, leading to Hayford’s arrest and subsequent guilty plea at Hendon Magistrates Court.

Detective Stevenson emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, especially given the public setting and the vulnerability of the victims. She praised the resilience of the victims and their families and urged anyone with similar experiences to come forward, either through police or Crimestoppers.

Throughout these proceedings, Hayford’s medical condition, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, has complicated sentencing considerations. Judge Alan Greenwood acknowledged the gravity of the convictions but noted that his health issues would influence the sentencing process, which was scheduled for January 16. The case underscores the importance of persistent investigation and the courage of victims in bringing such offenders to justice, even after many years have passed.