CONVICTED RAPIST JOSEPH HEWITT DENIES HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGES AT NORFOLK COURT

A convicted offender, Joseph Douglas Hewitt, has publicly maintained his innocence regarding allegations of historic sexual abuse against children from the 1970s and 80s. Hewitt, aged 79, is currently standing trial at King's Lynn Crown Court, where he denies two counts of rape, three of serious sexual offences, two of indecent assault, and two of gross indecency. This trial follows his 1995 conviction of six counts of rape and sexual assault involving five girls at the Woodlands Observation and Assessment Centre located off Dereham Road, where he served as officer in charge. Hewitt was jailed for these offences committed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During court proceedings, Hewitt recounted his background, stating he joined the Centre in March 1974, initially living on-site with his family before relocating off-premises due to regulation changes. He mentioned developing a relationship with a staff member, Sue Boon, whom he married in 1979; they remained married until 2002, when Hewitt left prison. The court heard from one of the alleged victims, who described Hewitt as a 'nasty piece of work' and recounted her fear of him, asserting he raped her multiple times while she was in care. Hewitt's defense has suggested that the victims may be conspiring for financial gain, though one victim dismissed this as 'irrelevant.' The trial is expected to last five weeks, and Hewitt’s previous convictions have been presented to the jury. Hewitt resides in Chellaston, Derby.