RAYMOND HAWES SENTENCED IN IPSWICH FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
In a landmark case that has resonated deeply within the community of Ipswich, Raymond Hawes, a 67-year-old man, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous child sex offences committed over several decades.The crimes, which included multiple counts of buggery, attempted rape, indecent assaults on both male and female victims, and possession of child pornography, have left a lasting scar on the victims and their families.
Hawes, who resided just approximately 200 yards from St Pancras Primary School before his arrest, was brought before Ipswich Crown Court to face justice for his long history of abuse.
The court proceedings revealed that the offences spanned many years, with some of the most serious allegations dating back to the 1980s.
Despite the passage of time, the impact on the victims has remained profound, with many describing the emotional and psychological toll that the abuse has taken on their lives.
During the sentencing, Judge John Holt emphasized that Hawes’s crimes warranted a sentence reflective of the severity of his actions.
Notably, the judge pointed out that Hawes had previously admitted to child sex offences in 1987 but had failed to disclose these crimes to authorities at that time.
The judge stated that the sentence was imposed as if the offences had occurred in 1987, rather than under the more lenient guidelines that are now in place.
As Hawes sat in court, supported by a walking stick and listening through a hearing aid, victims and their families watched with a mixture of relief and emotional pain.
One victim expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating, “I think we are all pleased with the sentence.
It was as much as we could have asked for.
We hope he will not get out and that he will die in prison.
That was the only way to stop him carrying on.” The survivor also shared the lasting effects of the abuse, saying, “It affects everybody.
You feel betrayed.
The nightmares are the worst.
You think you are alone.
You have got that secret all your life.” He further revealed that he has struggled with mental health issues, including multiple hospitalizations and attempts at suicide.
Another victim echoed these sentiments, describing their life as a “nightmare” and expressing relief that justice has been served.
Detective Constable Sarah Shrubshaw, the officer who led the investigation, was present in court to support the victims and their families.
She acknowledged the difficulty victims faced in coming forward, given the long elapsed time since the offences occurred, and expressed hope that the significant sentence would encourage others to report similar crimes.
Judge Holt concluded by describing Hawes as “a serial abuser of boys,” underscoring the gravity of his actions and the serious risk he posed to the public.
The case has left a lasting impact on the Ipswich community, highlighting the importance of justice and the courage of victims who finally came forward after many years.
