ROGER HOCKING SENTENCED IN CORNWALL AND SPAIN FOR DECADES OF CHILD ABUSE

In August 2019, a disturbing case involving Roger Hocking, a man with a long history of child abuse spanning over three decades, reached its culmination in a UK court. Hocking, aged 74, was extradited from Spain, where he had been living for the past 25 years, after being apprehended under a European Arrest Warrant. His crimes, which took place primarily in east Cornwall from the 1960s through the 1990s, have left a trail of psychological and physical trauma among his victims, some of whom were as young as four years old at the time of their assault.

Hocking appeared in the dock at Truro Crown Court on a Wednesday, visibly frail, to face sentencing after admitting to a series of heinous offenses. These included seven counts of indecent assault on a male, four attempted acts of buggery, eight counts of indecency with a child, two counts of buggery, attempted rape, and an additional indecent assault. The court heard how these acts had inflicted lasting damage on the victims, whose lives had been profoundly affected by his actions.

Prosecutor Adrian Chaplin detailed how Hocking was brought back to the UK earlier that year from his residence on a smallholding near Malaga, Spain. The investigation into his past offenses was initiated in September 2017, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that began when the first victim was just eight or nine years old, while Hocking was 18. At that time, Hocking was on leave from his service in the army, and he was also working as a lorry driver.

The first victim recounted how Hocking had forced him to touch his genitals and perform oral sex, with the abuse escalating to attempted anal penetration, which was thwarted by the victim’s small stature. Threats of violence and death were used to silence him, and the abuse continued until he was around 11 or 12 years old. The second victim, aged six or seven, was also targeted during Hocking’s leave from military duties, with the abuse including violent acts and oral sex performed in a public toilet.

The third victim described similar experiences, including being forcibly anally raped by Hocking. The fourth victim, aged 10 or 11, was forcibly undressed and threatened with death if he ever disclosed the abuse, with Hocking telling him he would kill his mother. The final victim, who was between four and seven years old at the time, was assaulted and raped by Hocking as well.

Hocking’s move to Spain in 1997 marked a new chapter, but investigations into his past continued, culminating in his arrest and extradition. The victims have since suffered both psychological scars and physical health issues as a result of his crimes.

Representing Hocking, solicitor Lee Bremridge emphasized his client’s age and health concerns, noting that Hocking was likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. Bremridge explained that Hocking had settled his affairs in Spain, with a friend helping to care for his animals on his smallholding. He also highlighted Hocking’s deteriorating health, including a suspected tumor, and mentioned that Hocking had become an enhanced prisoner, managing the laundry wing at his current facility. Hocking expressed remorse, wishing to apologize for his actions, which he did through his legal representative, avoiding the need for victims to testify.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced Hocking to 20 years in prison for his extensive abuse, describing the case as one of the worst the court had encountered. The judge acknowledged the devastating impact on the victims and their families, emphasizing that the abuse was both indecent and violent, often taking the form of rape. He noted that the victims believed they were suffering isolated attacks, unaware of the full extent of Hocking’s predatory behavior, and that reliving these memories was an additional trauma.

Hocking was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and the court made it clear that he would remain under supervision for the foreseeable future. The case underscores the long-lasting effects of child abuse and the importance of justice for victims, even many years after the crimes occurred.