ROBERT HIND: DUBIOUS SEX OFFENDER FROM DEWSBURY, HALIFAX, AND HEBDEN BRIDGE FOUND DEAD IN HUDDERSFIELD RIVER

In December 2013, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded involving Robert Hind, a convicted sex offender with a long and troubling history linked to Dewsbury, Halifax, and Hebden Bridge. Hind, aged 46, had been reported missing from his residence in Dewsbury on Wednesday, December 11. His disappearance raised immediate concerns among law enforcement and the local community, given his known dangerousness and high risk to children.

Hind was last seen on foot in Dewsbury at approximately 9:00 am that morning. Authorities described him as a slim man, standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with distinctive features including brown hair, green eyes, and a noticeable scar on his neck. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a dark hat and a green jacket adorned with oriental-style writing on the back. His connections extended beyond Dewsbury, with links to Halifax and Hebden Bridge, and police believed he might have traveled to Huddersfield, where the River Colne runs through the town.

Despite efforts to locate him, Hind remained at large for several days. His criminal record was extensive, including two previous imprisonments for indecent assault on boys. His history painted a picture of a man who posed a significant threat to children, especially boys, and who had been recalled to prison after breaching the terms of his license.

On the following Monday, human remains were discovered in the River Colne at Huddersfield. The grim discovery was confirmed to be Hind after forensic examination, which also revealed that he had suffered head injuries prior to his death. The post-mortem report concluded that Hind had been strangled, leading to the suspicion that his death was a result of foul play.

In connection with the investigation, a man aged 46 was charged with Hind’s murder. The case drew considerable media attention, highlighting the dangers posed by known sex offenders and the importance of monitoring their whereabouts. The police urged anyone with information about Hind’s movements or the circumstances surrounding his death to come forward immediately.

Hind’s criminal history was marked by multiple convictions, including a notable case in October 2011, when a judge at Bradford Crown Court reviewed his sentence after discovering a legal anomaly. Originally sentenced to indefinite imprisonment for public protection, the court later adjusted his sentence to a fixed term of three years due to legislative changes. Hind had also been subject to a lifelong sex offenders’ register and a sexual offences prevention order, reflecting the severity of his past crimes and the ongoing risk he posed.

His earlier convictions included involvement in sexual activities with teenage boys, with one incident involving a teenage boy at a residence linked to another convicted abuser. Hind’s low IQ was cited as a factor in his offending, but the courts emphasized that he remained a significant danger to children. Despite his previous incarcerations, Hind’s pattern of offending persisted, and authorities continued to monitor him closely until his disappearance and subsequent death.

The case remains under investigation, with authorities seeking to establish the full circumstances of Hind’s death and whether any other individuals were involved. The tragic end of Robert Hind underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing high-risk offenders and protecting vulnerable members of society from harm.