RICHARD HOEY RAMSGATE PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED FOR CAMPAIGN OF RAPE AND ABUSE

 |  Red Rose Database

Ramsgate Rapist
In September 2019, a severe case of child abuse culminated in the conviction and sentencing of Richard Hoey, a man from Ramsgate, for a series of heinous crimes involving two young girls. The court heard how Hoey subjected his victims to a relentless campaign of sexual violence, attacking them repeatedly over several years, leaving indelible scars on their lives.

Judge Mark Weekes, presiding over the case, described childhood as a period of innocence and joy, emphasizing that it should be a time free from fear and suffering. He condemned Hoey’s actions, stating, "Childhood is a time of innocence. It should be free from cares or worries and a time for fun, for enjoyment. Every child should be loved, cared for and allowed to develop without fear. It is clear to me that you wrecked your victims’ childhood."

The judge further detailed the cruelty of Hoey’s abuse, highlighting that his actions were not only sexual but also violent at times. The victims, now women, shared their harrowing experiences in court, revealing the profound and lasting impact of Hoey’s crimes. One survivor, now 71, disclosed that she sleeps with a hammer under her pillow, living in constant fear that Hoey, who is now incarcerated, might return. She recounted her ongoing struggles, including multiple suicide attempts, self-harm since childhood, and thrashing in her sleep as she fights off the memories of her abuse.

Another survivor described her efforts to make herself less attractive to Hoey by force-feeding herself to gain weight, a desperate attempt to deter further abuse. She expressed difficulty in looking at her reflection, burdened by a “cloud of pain and shame,” and emphasized that her past trauma continues to haunt her.

The first victim shared her emotional scars, explaining how encounters with Hoey in her local towns trigger panic attacks, nightmares, and feelings of shame. She revealed that her experience has made her highly cautious about trusting others, especially men, and that she uses food as a coping mechanism, eating excessively to feel ugly enough to keep Hoey away. Despite her pain, she expressed relief and a sense of liberation now that Hoey is behind bars, stating, “My past was Richard Hoey, my future is now my own.”

During the three-hour hearing, both survivors sat in the court’s public gallery, approximately four meters from Hoey, who notably turned his back on them and avoided eye contact throughout the proceedings. The emotional toll was evident, with a court staff member becoming too overwhelmed to continue listening as the impact statements were read.

The second survivor recounted her terrifying experiences with Hoey, including threats and attempts to silence her by offering money. She recounted how she threw the money back and fled, dropping her shopping bags in her panic. She revealed that she has slept with a hammer under her pillow ever since, and her partner has had to calm her during episodes of distress. Her fear of encountering Hoey in her daily life, such as in a nearby café, has led her to spend significant sums on taxis to avoid him. Her mental health remains fragile, with suicidal thoughts intensifying as the trial date approached.

In sentencing, Judge Weekes condemned Hoey’s actions and acknowledged the bravery of the victims in coming forward. Hoey, who pleaded guilty to 11 charges including indecent assault and rape of a child, was sentenced to 20 years and six months in prison. Additionally, he will serve two years on extended license following his release. The judge emphasized that the victims’ resilience was the true victory in this case, stating, “Their courage in coming forward to report you and give evidence against you shows that your abuse did not break their spirit. You did not, and could not, remove their dignity.”

Hoey’s crimes have left a lasting impact on his victims, but justice has been served through this lengthy imprisonment, ensuring that he will be held accountable for his actions in Ramsgate and beyond.
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