NORMAN HOGBIN GROOMED AND ABUSED CHILDREN IN WORTHING: SHOCKING CRIMES REVEALED
In December 2022, a disturbing case involving the sexual exploitation of young children by a former gymnastics instructor came to light in Worthing, West Sussex.Norman Hogbin, aged 66, was found guilty of grooming and abusing four underage girls, some as young as just eight years old, during his time working as a gymnastics teacher in the area.
Hogbin’s criminal activities spanned several years, during which he systematically targeted young girls participating in gymnastics classes.
According to police reports, he employed manipulative tactics to gain the trust of both his young victims and their families.
He would buy gifts for the children, offer them special treatment, and establish friendships with their parents, creating an environment of false familiarity and trust.
Once Hogbin had secured the confidence of the parents, he exploited his position of authority to sexually assault the young girls multiple times.
The police detailed that his abuse was not a one-time occurrence but a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over a significant period.
Hogbin’s employment as a gymnastics instructor in Worthing during the 1990s and early 2000s placed him in a position of influence over vulnerable children.
The offences, which took place during this period, only came to light after investigations and court proceedings.
It is important to note that Hogbin had a prior criminal record related to sexual offences against young females.
In 2017, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison for abuse committed in 1990.
This sentence was later increased to three years following an appeal by the victim.
Additionally, Hogbin had been convicted of three counts of sexual abuse against another girl over a three-year span from 1999 to 2002.
Most recently, Hogbin appeared at Chichester Crown Court, where he was convicted of 11 counts of sexual assault against four children.
The trial lasted 12 days, and the verdict was delivered at Reading Crown Court.
On December 21, Hogbin was sentenced to a seven-year prison term and was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 18.
His sentencing underscores the severity of his crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children from predators like Hogbin.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures within community sports and youth programs.
