JOHN HEMMING CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WORCESTER

In a significant legal case that has drawn considerable attention in Worcester, a 70-year-old man named John Hemming was found guilty of multiple child sex offences that took place nearly three decades ago. The conviction was handed down at Worcester Crown Court after a jury composed of eight women and four men deliberated for just over three hours. The jury reached an 11-1 majority verdict, confirming Hemming's guilt on seven counts of indecent assault.

John Hemming, who resides in Tennyson Close, Worcester, was accused of committing these offences between October 1980 and October 1982. The allegations involved a young girl, aged either 13 or 14 at the time, who was the victim of his inappropriate actions. According to the court proceedings, Hemming, a former employee of British Telecom, was said to have engaged in acts of sexual misconduct by touching the naked body of the teenage girl after she had been partly undressed. These incidents allegedly occurred within a telephone exchange located in Spetchley, a village near Worcester.

The court heard that Hemming's actions were of a serious nature, involving the touching of the victim's body in a manner that was clearly sexual and inappropriate for someone of his age and position. The case was built on the testimony and evidence presented during the trial, which ultimately led to his conviction.

Following the verdict, Hemming was ordered to sign the sex offenders register, a legal requirement for individuals convicted of such offences. This measure is intended to monitor and restrict the movements of offenders to protect the community.

During the trial, Hemming maintained his innocence and claimed that the allegations were false. He stated that the complainant, who is now a mother of two, had deliberately lied about the incidents. Hemming also chose not to answer police questions during the investigation, citing advice from his solicitor. His defense did not succeed in convincing the jury, who found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case has once again highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in Worcester to bring offenders to justice and ensure community safety.