ROBERT BLACK AND OTHERS SENTENCED IN HARTLEPOOL SEX ABUSE CASE INVOLVING BOYS IN THE 1970S AND 1980S

A disturbing chapter from Hartlepool's past has come to light as five men, all in their seventies, have been convicted for heinous sexual offenses committed against young boys during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The crimes, which took place in and around public toilets in the town, have left a lasting scar on the victims and have finally been addressed through a comprehensive legal process.

Among those convicted is Robert Black, aged 71, who was formerly residing at Derwent Grange but is now without a fixed address. He received a substantial prison sentence of 16 years after being found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual offence. Black's crimes, which spanned several years, involved abusing boys in various locations around Hartlepool, with the court hearing detailed accounts of the trauma inflicted.

Another defendant, Geoff Hillier, aged 72 and living on Haswell Avenue, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Hillier was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and two serious sexual offences. Additionally, he admitted to possessing six counts of indecent images, further compounding his criminal record. His actions, as detailed in court, contributed to a pattern of predatory behavior that targeted vulnerable young boys.

David Anderson, aged 71 and residing on Grange Road, was handed a sentence of nine years and one month after pleading guilty to six counts of indecent assault. His crimes, like those of the others, involved exploiting boys aged between 12 and 16, causing significant psychological harm.

Peter Watts, aged 72 from Oxford Road, received a sentence of seven years and six months for five counts of indecent assault. His conviction added to the growing list of offenders whose actions have been condemned by the court.

Lastly, Alan Edmonson, aged 66 and living on Ibrox Grove, was given a two-year suspended sentence for two years after being convicted of a single count of indecent assault. His case was considered less severe, but still part of the broader pattern of abuse uncovered during the investigation.

All victims, who were between 12 and 16 years old at the time of the offenses, shared their stories in court. One survivor described enduring long-term psychological damage, including struggles with substance misuse, failed relationships, and a profound mistrust of adults. The court, led by Judge Howard Crowson, emphasized that even if some victims appeared to consent, minors cannot legally give consent, and therefore, such acts are inherently criminal.

In response to the convictions, the judge imposed lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Orders on all five men. These orders restrict their contact with children and limit their internet usage, aiming to prevent any future harm. The sentences and orders have been welcomed by victims, who expressed relief and hope that justice will aid their healing process. Many acknowledged that they might serve only half of their sentences but emphasized the importance of accountability.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth praised the bravery of the victims who came forward during the two-and-a-half-year-long Operation Krafft investigation. He expressed optimism that the convictions will help survivors and their families to begin moving past the trauma, reaffirming the police’s commitment to tackling such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served in Hartlepool.