RAYMOND JOHN HOLLIS, CHILD SEX OFFENDER FROM GUILDFORD, SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN JAIL
A dangerous, predatory child sex offender who abused a young victim for over six years has finally been held accountable and sentenced to prison.Raymond John Hollis, aged 79, received a 16-year term on Tuesday, January 12, after pleading guilty to 12 historical child sex offences dating back to the 1970s.
Guildford Crown Court confirmed that the offences occurred across Surrey, Hampshire, and London.
The victim, from Westbury in Wiltshire, was abused from the ages of five to 11 and kept the secret for 45 years before finally summoning the courage to report it to police in 2019.
Hollis was located and detained on April 8, 2019, leading to an investigation that resulted in his being charged on Christmas Eve of the same year.
The charges included six counts of indecent assault on a child under 13 and six counts of gross indecency with a child under 13, all committed between 1973 and 1979.
He pleaded guilty to 11 of the 12 counts on November 30, 2022, having previously admitted to the remaining count at an earlier hearing.
Detective Constable Mike Powell, from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, commented: "The victim has shown remarkable courage and bravery in coming forward and reporting this offence to police.
As a result of their actions, a dangerous and predatory sexual offender will be prevented from committing further similar crimes against others." He added, "This conviction sends a clear message to anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual abuse that we will do all we can to investigate each case fully and seek to prosecute those responsible.
Likewise, I hope this sentence sends a definitive message to perpetrators that no matter how much time has passed, serious sexual assaults will not be tolerated by Surrey Police.
We will do everything within our power to hold them accountable and bring them to justice." Following the sentencing, an NSPCC spokesperson stated: "Thanks to the bravery shown by this survivor of child sexual abuse, Hollis is now facing justice for his terrible actions.
We want those who have endured these offences to know they will be listened to when they speak out, regardless of how many years have passed since their ordeals took place, or who the abuser is."
