MARK HESSING FROM URMSTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN MANCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Urmston and the wider Manchester area, Mark Hessing, aged 57, was found guilty of subjecting a young girl to a series of heinous sexual assaults. The disturbing incidents began when the victim was only three years old and continued over a span of ten years, leaving lasting scars on her mental health and well-being.

Hessing, who resides on Loslock Road in Urmston, was initially sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of 13 counts of indecent assault at Manchester Crown Court in October 2016. The severity of his crimes and the profound impact on the victim prompted a review of his sentence by the Court of Appeal.

During the appeal hearing, which was conducted via video link from prison, Hessing appeared visibly shocked and shook his head as Lady Justice Macur delivered her verdict. The senior judges, including Lady Justice Macur, Judge Christopher Kinch QC, and Mr. Justice Andrew Smith, concluded that the original sentence was unduly lenient given the gravity of the offences and the psychological harm inflicted on the young girl.

Lady Justice Macur emphasized that the evidence clearly demonstrated the victim had suffered severe psychological trauma as a result of Hessing’s actions. She stated, “We come to the conclusion that there is evidence which, beyond doubt, establishes that this victim sustained severe psychological harm.”

Taking all factors into account, the judges decided that the appropriate custodial term should be increased to eight years. The court highlighted that the impact on the girl was profound and that a four-year sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed.

The case was brought back before the court following a reference initiated by the government’s solicitor general, Robert Buckland QC, who argued that the original sentence was too lenient considering the nature of the offences and their lasting effects on the victim. The decision to increase Hessing’s sentence underscores the judiciary’s stance on protecting vulnerable victims and ensuring justice is fully served in cases of sexual abuse.