RICHARD OATEN FROM COTTINGHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN HULL

In July 2016, a deeply disturbing case emerged involving Richard Oaten, a 43-year-old man from Elm Tree Court in Cottingham, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual crimes against a young child. The court heard that Oaten engaged in a calculated and cruel pattern of grooming and abusing the child over a period of time, exploiting the child's vulnerability and trust.

According to the prosecution, led by John Thackray, Oaten initially used a guise of offering 'music therapy' as a means to manipulate the young victim. This approach was employed after the child confided in him about being previously abused by another man. The court was told that Oaten suggested the child listen to music as a way to help cope with the trauma, but this was merely a pretext for his sinister intentions.

Prosecutor Thackray emphasized the child's fragile state, noting that the victim was already suffering from 'night terrors' caused by earlier abuse when Oaten introduced the music therapy. Thackray stated, 'The Crown submit this is an important aspect of the case, because in the guidelines it makes [the victim] someone who is particularly vulnerable.'

Oaten then proceeded to manipulate the child further, instructing him to perform sexual acts under the false pretense of helping him relax. Thackray recounted that the victim felt that something was wrong but was desperate to end the nightly terrors that haunted him daily. As the abuse continued, Oaten's actions escalated, including taking nude photographs of the child and subjecting him to increasingly severe acts of abuse, details of which are too distressing to publish.

The court heard that the young victim wanted to cease the therapy sessions, but Oaten threatened him, saying, 'If [the victim] walked away from therapy [the victim] would have to start again.' The emotional and psychological toll on the child was profound. Thackray summarized the impact, stating, 'What happened to [the victim] is not something they can forgive or forget. It’s affected their mental health and their physical wellbeing. [The victim] feels they missed out on their childhood.'

The victim described Oaten’s behavior as 'controlling and grooming,' highlighting the manipulative nature of his actions. Judge Jeremy Richardson QC described some of the abuse as 'utterly revolting,' emphasizing the severity and depravity of Oaten’s conduct.

Oaten, who had no prior convictions, admitted to nine child sex offences. His defense attorney, Richard Thompson, acknowledged the guilty plea but attempted to highlight that Oaten had been a decent, hard-working man throughout his life, suggesting some mitigation.

However, the judge sentenced Oaten to a total of nine years in prison, condemning his actions as having overshadowed the victim’s childhood. The judge remarked, 'You eclipsed [the victim’s] childhood with your depraved sexual crimes. Much of your conduct was cruel and calculating. There are a number of really serious features of this case which serve to increase the sentence.' The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims in Cottingham and Hull.