MARTIN HAWK FROM DARLINGTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the community of Darlington, Martin David Hawk, a 37-year-old former soldier and local businessman, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving child abuse and the possession of indecent images of children.

Hawk’s arrest and subsequent conviction stemmed from a disturbing discovery made by his flatmate, Steven Robinson. Robinson, who once borrowed Hawk’s digital camera to photograph his grandmother’s grave in Stanley, County Durham, was horrified when he examined the images stored on the device. The photographs included graphic images of Hawk raping a young girl, which Robinson and his friends viewed with shock and distress. The group’s reaction prompted them to contact the police, leading to Hawk’s immediate arrest at his Darlington residence.

During the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that Hawk initially admitted to two counts of rape and three counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, all relating to incidents in June. However, further investigations uncovered additional charges, including four more counts of rape, twelve counts of creating indecent images, and possession of a staggering 1,891 indecent images of children. These charges were brought after experts from Durham Police examined Hawk’s computer and the memory card from his camera, uncovering a vast collection of illegal material.

Judge Michael Taylor condemned Hawk’s actions, describing the images he downloaded from the internet as “some of the most deplorable one could imagine.” The judge emphasized the severity of Hawk’s crimes, stating that he had robbed the young girl of her innocence and childhood, with the lasting emotional scars likely to remain for her entire life. The judge also criticized Hawk for attempting to shift blame onto the victim during a Probation Service interview and for portraying himself as a victim, which he deemed a deplorable attempt to evade responsibility.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds detailed the disturbing circumstances of the case, highlighting that Hawk’s criminal behavior was linked to a period of personal and professional turmoil. It was noted that Hawk had served with the Light Infantry after leaving school and later operated a company installing cable television services. The court heard that Hawk’s descent into child pornography began during a difficult phase in his life, marked by business problems and relationship issues. Despite his expressions of remorse through his legal representative, the judge made it clear that Hawk’s actions posed a significant danger to children.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Taylor underscored the gravity of Hawk’s crimes, stating, “You robbed her of her innocence, you robbed her of her childhood, and the consequences will live with her for the rest of her life.” The judge also noted Hawk’s apparent belief that he was somewhat a victim of circumstances and that he was under the control of the young girl, which further demonstrated the risk he posed to vulnerable children.

As part of his sentence, Hawk was ordered to serve an indefinite term in prison, with the condition that he will only be released when the Parole Board is satisfied that he no longer presents a danger to the public. Additionally, Hawk was handed a lifelong ban from working with children, having any contact with minors under 18, and owning or using a camera or computer. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which the justice system views crimes of this nature, especially those involving the exploitation and abuse of children in Darlington and beyond.