KEVIN HADDEN FROM RAINWORTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN NOTTINGHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Rainworth, Kevin Hadden, a man residing on Curzon Close, faced serious criminal charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl. The allegations detailed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that spanned over a decade, beginning in the early 1990s and only coming to light when the victim confided in a friend. The court proceedings revealed the extent of Hadden's actions and the impact on the victim's life.

In October 2009, Hadden, then aged 45, was brought before Nottingham Crown Court to face multiple charges. The court heard that he had committed a series of sexual offenses against a girl, starting when she was just six years old and continuing until she was 15. The charges included eight counts of indecent touching, which he admitted, and involved a period of over ten years. The victim eventually disclosed the abuse to her boyfriend, leading to the investigation and subsequent charges.

During the trial, the court was informed that Hadden had worked in a care home after being made redundant, raising concerns about his access to vulnerable individuals. Prosecutor Grace Hale emphasized the gravity of the crimes, describing the treatment of the young girl as 'disgraceful.' The court was also told that Hadden's actions had long-lasting effects on the victim, who was subjected to a campaign of sexual abuse from the age of six.

Hadden pleaded guilty to the charges, and the court sentenced him to eight years in prison. The judge, Judge Andrew Hamilton, expressed his condemnation of Hadden's conduct, stating that he had 'treated the girl in the most disgraceful way.' As part of the sentence, Hadden was ordered never to work with children again and was prohibited from residing in any accommodation where a child under 16 was present without court approval. Additionally, he was mandated to register as a sex offender for life.

Following the sentencing, there was applause in the courtroom, reflecting the community's relief and outrage at the severity of the crimes. However, the case did not end there. Hadden appealed his sentence, and in a significant development, the Court of Appeal in London decided to halve his prison term. His original eight-year sentence was reduced to four years, a decision that drew criticism from victims' advocates and legal experts.

Mr. Justice MacDuff, delivering the judgment, acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but suggested that the original sentence was 'manifestly excessive' given Hadden's early guilty plea and apparent remorse. He stated, 'These are serious offences committed on a child, with damaging effects to her. However, we consider the sentence handed down by the judge should have been reserved for cases that show different characteristics and gravity.'

The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the ongoing challenges faced by the justice system in dealing with sexual offenses. Kevin Hadden's case continues to resonate within the community of Rainworth and beyond, highlighting the need for vigilance and support for victims of abuse.