MARTIN HORNBY FROM HULL JAILED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRLS AND SEXUAL OFFENSES
In May 2012, a disturbing case unfolded involving Martin Hornby, a 56-year-old man from Hull, who was convicted of heinous crimes against two young schoolgirls.Hornby, who was employed as a bus worker with East Yorkshire Motor Services, engaged in a calculated pattern of grooming and exploitation that ultimately led to his imprisonment.
Hornby’s sinister actions began with him establishing a deceptive relationship with the victims by offering them gifts such as sweets, jewelry, and money at his residence.
These gestures were part of his manipulative strategy to gain their trust and lower their defenses.
Once he had secured their confidence, Hornby subjected the girls to disturbing and inappropriate activities, including forcing them to watch pornography, an act that caused significant emotional distress.
The severity of his misconduct was underscored during the sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court, where Judge Jeremy Baker sentenced Hornby to a total of three years behind bars.
The judge condemned Hornby’s actions, stating, “You took inappropriate and unfair advantage of their sexual curiosity and positively encouraged them.
You got sexual gratification from them watching the videos.” Judge Baker also highlighted the breach of trust involved in the case, noting that Hornby was aware of the family circumstances of one of the victims.
The judge emphasized that the misconduct only came to light when one of the girls, suffering from sleep disturbances due to the emotional impact of Hornby’s actions, confided in her parents, prompting an investigation.
During the trial, Hornby faced eight charges related to his misconduct.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts, but a jury at Hull Crown Court took just two hours to reach a unanimous verdict of guilty on all charges.
The charges included four counts of causing a child to watch a sex act and four counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
In addition to his prison sentence, Hornby was subjected to strict legal restrictions upon his release.
He was permanently barred from working with children and was placed under a sexual offenders’ order.
This order prohibits him from residing at the same address as any child under 16, allowing no children under that age into his home, and forbidding him from contacting any child under 16 through letters, mobile phones, or electronic communication.
Detective Constable Victoria Sutton commented on the case, stating, “Martin Hornby initiated the grooming process of these young girls by allowing them access to his home and spoiling them with gifts of money, jewelry, and days out.
He manipulated his way into the family of one of the complainants by befriending them and, in turn, gained their trust, which he then used to his own advantage.
Both complainants showed tremendous courage by attending court and giving their evidence.” Hornby’s defense lawyer, John Thackray, claimed that his client’s actions were “completely out of character,” though this assertion did little to mitigate the seriousness of his crimes.
The case has left a lasting impact on the community in Hull, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.
