ROBERT HASTINGS FROM WESTON-SUPER-MARE JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN THE UK AFTER LIVING IN THAILAND

In a significant development in the fight against child sexual abuse, Robert David Hastings, a 62-year-old man originally from Weston-super-Mare, has been sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison for heinous crimes committed against a young girl in the 1990s. The offences, which included 10 counts of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child, were carried out in the Weston-super-Mare area and targeted a vulnerable girl aged between four and nine years old.

Hastings, who had relocated to Thailand, was living in the city of Udon Thani at the time of his arrest. The investigation into his crimes was initiated after the victim, who had endured years of silence, contacted the police in February 2011. She was able to provide a video statement the following month, which played a crucial role in the case. Further inquiries revealed that Hastings had been residing in Thailand since 2005, where he was employed as an English teacher. This prompted authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into his activities.

Following the investigation, Hastings was detained by Thai police in November 2014 and held at the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok. His arrest marked a significant step in the pursuit of justice, as he was subsequently expelled from Thailand back to the United Kingdom in February 2015 after the police investigation concluded. The extradition process was facilitated through cooperation between Thai authorities and UK law enforcement agencies.

Hastings’s trial took place at Bristol Crown Court, where he was convicted of the multiple charges last month after a short trial. The court heard how he had taken advantage of a vulnerable child during the 1990s, with the offences only coming to light years later. The sentencing was delivered this morning, bringing closure to a long and arduous legal process.

Acting Detective Sergeant Martin Davies of Bristol Investigations expressed his condemnation of Hastings’s actions, describing him as a “deceptive and cruel sexual offender” who exploited a young girl. He remarked on Hastings’s attempt to deny guilt when arrested in Thailand, where he claimed he had done nothing wrong and was willing to return to the UK. However, the jury saw through his lies and convicted him of 13 serious sexual offences.

Detective Sergeant Davies also praised the victim for her bravery in reporting the crimes and enduring the lengthy process that followed. He emphasized that her support was vital in bringing Hastings to justice and expressed hope that the conviction would help her find some measure of closure. The detective highlighted the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the National Crime Agency, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Crown Prosecution Service, in ensuring Hastings’s return and prosecution.

Rachael Scott, head of the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit, reaffirmed the commitment of her team and law enforcement partners to pursue justice for victims of sexual offences, regardless of when or where the crimes occurred. She assured the public that the CPS remains dedicated to prosecuting offenders and ensuring that justice is served, especially in cases involving international elements. With Hastings now held accountable for his actions, authorities hope this case serves as a reminder that justice can be achieved, no matter how long ago the crimes took place or where the offender has tried to hide.