PHILIP HICKS FROM LAUNCESTON SENTENCED FOR 16-YEAR CHILD ABUSE SPREE

In a case that has shocked the community of Launceston, Philip Preston Hicks, a 32-year-old unemployed man from Chacewater, has been sentenced to serve time in prison for a series of heinous crimes spanning over sixteen years. Hicks pleaded guilty to six separate charges of indecent assault and gross indecency involving children under the age of 13, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for nearly a decade and a half.

The court heard that Hicks's offenses were not isolated incidents but part of a systematic abuse of vulnerable young victims. The judge described his actions as deeply troubling, emphasizing that Hicks had exploited his position of trust and inflicted lasting psychological damage on his young victims. Two of the children, both under 10 years old, suffered tangible mental health consequences as a result of his abuse.

Adding to his criminal record, Hicks also admitted to assaulting a social worker, an act that caused actual bodily harm. This assault was considered an aggravating factor in his sentencing, which resulted in a four-year prison term for the indecency offenses. Additionally, Hicks received a six-month sentence for the assault on the social worker, to be served concurrently.

During the sentencing hearing, Hicks was visibly emotional, tears streaming down his face as he left the courtroom dock to be taken into custody. The judge’s remarks underscored the severity of his crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, leaving the community of Launceston to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing case.