MATTHEW HARDY SENTENCED IN SWANAGE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS

In February 2017, a man from Swanage named Matthew Hardy was handed a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. Hardy, who resides on High Street in Swanage, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after he pleaded guilty to several charges, including the sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by penetration, the assault of a girl under 13, and the indecent assault of a girl under 16.

During the sentencing hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court, it was revealed that Hardy was too ashamed and embarrassed to appear in person for the proceedings. His legal representative, Robert Grey, explained that Hardy was unwilling to attend the court hearing scheduled for Friday, February 3, and insisted that his presence would only cause further distress to his victims. Despite the court offering Hardy the option to participate via video link or to be shielded behind a screen while giving evidence, Judge Brian Forster QC proceeded with the sentencing after Mr Grey confirmed Hardy’s decision to abstain from appearing in court.

Although Hardy was present within the court precincts during the hearing, he was not physically inside the courtroom itself. The court was informed that Hardy’s criminal conduct came to light after one of his victims became upset at school and confided in her friends and teachers. This disclosure prompted police to investigate, leading to Hardy’s eventual confession during police interviews. Hardy admitted to an earlier incident involving another young girl that took place in the mid-1990s, with offences spanning from January 2012 to July 2014, and an earlier period from January 1994 to January 1996.

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott described the impact on the latest victim, stating, “She became distressed crying during the course of it.” Her mother provided a statement indicating that her daughter had been experiencing difficulties in school, including back pain for which she was taking strong painkillers. Fortunately, the back pain subsided once the abuse was uncovered, but the long-term psychological effects on the girl remain uncertain, Mr Ellacott noted. The court also heard that the earlier victim had suffered from panic attacks and anxiety throughout her adolescence and had engaged in self-harm using a razor blade.

In mitigation, Mr Grey highlighted Hardy’s lack of previous convictions, his good character prior to these offenses, and his employment history as a driver. He emphasized Hardy’s remorse and deep shame for his actions, noting that Hardy’s early guilty pleas had spared his victims the ordeal of testifying in court. Mr Grey also pointed out that many defendants do not accept responsibility for their crimes, making Hardy’s acceptance noteworthy.

In Hardy’s absence, Judge Forster QC addressed the court, condemning Hardy for exploiting vulnerable young girls and acknowledging the profound and lasting impact his actions had on the victims. The judge remarked, “He took advantage of vulnerable young girls, and what took place has had a considerable impact.” Concerning the latest victim, the judge added, “She was distressed at the time of his behaviour but he nonetheless persisted. One can understand how each victim has been haunted by these experiences. It is impossible to underestimate the continued impact.”

As part of his sentence, Hardy was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, pay a victim surcharge, and was issued a sexual harm prevention order valid for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the court’s commitment to safeguarding the community from future harm.