ROGER HAWKINS FROM TOTNES JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN DEVON
| Red Rose Database
Totnes Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community of Totnes and the wider Devon area, Roger Hawkins, a 63-year-old man from South Street, Totnes, has been sentenced to a total of four and a half years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes, which date back over three decades, include attempted rape, multiple counts of indecent assault, and an act of indecency with a child.
Hawkins appeared before Exeter Crown Court on a Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court was told that his actions were not only criminal but also morally reprehensible. Judge Barry Cotter, presiding over the case, described Hawkins' conduct as “morally repugnant,” emphasizing the profound harm caused by his offenses. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cotter stated, “You cannot give a childhood back, you cannot repair a violation such as this and you cannot give back stolen innocence,” highlighting the irreversible damage inflicted upon the victim.
It was revealed during the proceedings that Hawkins had previously led a life that appeared law-abiding, working within the church community in Totnes. Despite this, his past was marred by the dark secrets of his criminal behavior. The court heard from Tony Green, the Assistant Pastor at Totnes United Free Church, who has known Hawkins for 23 years. Green spoke on behalf of Hawkins, sharing that the offender had confided in him about his past offenses. “Over the 23 years when we had met, there have been many occasions when we have talked about Roger’s actions 30 years ago,” Green explained. “I have seen the distress on his mind at what he did. I’m convinced that Roger’s remorse is genuine.”
The court was also informed that Hawkins developed an obsessive interest in a girl who was only ten years old when the abuse began. His misconduct escalated to an attempted rape when she reached her teenage years. Hawkins admitted to police that his motivation was sexual gratification, a disturbing revelation that underscores the predatory nature of his actions. Prosecutor Jonathan Barnes detailed the victim’s ordeal, stating, “She told him that if he ever came near her again she would disclose what he had been doing to her.” The victim eventually confided in authorities last year, revealing that her entire life had been marked by a struggle for survival rather than genuine living.
In mitigation, Fiona Elder, representing Hawkins, acknowledged that her client was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. She stated, “He has lived with the facts since and I do not minimise the distress to the victim, he has caused her considerable pain and torment. This isn’t a man who just accepted that it happened but he has, since that time, tried to address the issues that he may have.”
Hawkins was sentenced to four and a half years for attempted rape, with an additional two years each for the other charges. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and is banned from working with children in the future, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Hawkins appeared before Exeter Crown Court on a Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court was told that his actions were not only criminal but also morally reprehensible. Judge Barry Cotter, presiding over the case, described Hawkins' conduct as “morally repugnant,” emphasizing the profound harm caused by his offenses. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cotter stated, “You cannot give a childhood back, you cannot repair a violation such as this and you cannot give back stolen innocence,” highlighting the irreversible damage inflicted upon the victim.
It was revealed during the proceedings that Hawkins had previously led a life that appeared law-abiding, working within the church community in Totnes. Despite this, his past was marred by the dark secrets of his criminal behavior. The court heard from Tony Green, the Assistant Pastor at Totnes United Free Church, who has known Hawkins for 23 years. Green spoke on behalf of Hawkins, sharing that the offender had confided in him about his past offenses. “Over the 23 years when we had met, there have been many occasions when we have talked about Roger’s actions 30 years ago,” Green explained. “I have seen the distress on his mind at what he did. I’m convinced that Roger’s remorse is genuine.”
The court was also informed that Hawkins developed an obsessive interest in a girl who was only ten years old when the abuse began. His misconduct escalated to an attempted rape when she reached her teenage years. Hawkins admitted to police that his motivation was sexual gratification, a disturbing revelation that underscores the predatory nature of his actions. Prosecutor Jonathan Barnes detailed the victim’s ordeal, stating, “She told him that if he ever came near her again she would disclose what he had been doing to her.” The victim eventually confided in authorities last year, revealing that her entire life had been marked by a struggle for survival rather than genuine living.
In mitigation, Fiona Elder, representing Hawkins, acknowledged that her client was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. She stated, “He has lived with the facts since and I do not minimise the distress to the victim, he has caused her considerable pain and torment. This isn’t a man who just accepted that it happened but he has, since that time, tried to address the issues that he may have.”
Hawkins was sentenced to four and a half years for attempted rape, with an additional two years each for the other charges. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and is banned from working with children in the future, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals.