SAM HOLLIS SENTENCED IN EAST TILBURY: OUTRAGE OVER 4.5 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has sparked outrage among the local community and beyond, Sam Hollis, a 27-year-old man from Coronation Avenue in East Tilbury, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for heinous crimes involving a 10-year-old girl. The victim and her mother, who must remain anonymous due to legal restrictions, expressed their profound disappointment and sense of injustice over the relatively lenient sentence handed down by the court.

On Thursday, October 5, at Basildon Crown Court, Hollis pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including four counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. As part of his sentence, Hollis was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his future interactions.

Prosecutor David Pickersgill provided harrowing details during the court proceedings, revealing that the young girl had confided in police that Hollis had frequently sent her text messages asking for sex before abusing her. The abuse reportedly took place over a period of 17 months, beginning when the girl was just 10 years old. The victim eventually confided in her mother, which led to Hollis’s confession when confronted about the allegations. The mother described her feelings of betrayal and anger, criticizing the court’s sentencing as shockingly inadequate given the severity of the crimes.

Judge Christopher Mitchell acknowledged Hollis’s mental health issues and noted his remorse, as evidenced by his guilty plea. During sentencing, the judge stated, “She made it clear to you on all occasions that she did not want these things to happen, but you persisted. This behaviour has had a detrimental effect on her, and her school performance has declined. Her mother has observed a noticeable change in her attitude and behaviour.” Hollis was seen weeping as he was sentenced to prison.

Following the court session, the victim’s mother, aged 34, recounted the emotional moment when her daughter, during a bedtime conversation, revealed the abuse. She described how her daughter, while pestering her to go to bed, asked if she could share a secret. The girl then disclosed that Hollis had been engaging in inappropriate acts with her, a revelation that shattered their lives. The mother recounted confronting Hollis at his home the next day, where he admitted to the acts and attempted to shift blame onto the young girl, claiming it was partly her fault. This enraged the mother, who described her reaction as one of fury and heartbreak.

She further detailed how police arrived swiftly after their call, with officers arriving in two cars. During the wait, Hollis was seen moving around the house, seemingly unrepentant, even joking about offering tea to the officers. The mother praised the police for their professionalism and expressed her ongoing anger, stating that her primary concern now is her daughter’s well-being. She admitted her determination to fight for a longer sentence, asserting that Hollis should face the full extent of the law and that his confession should not be used as a reason for leniency.

In her words, “He should be locked away for years, but I fear he will be out in a couple. The court’s sentencing is just pathetic considering the circumstances, and I will do everything possible to see him imprisoned for longer.” The mother has already contacted her local MP, Andrew Mackinlay, and is seeking legal advice to challenge the sentence, vowing to continue her fight for justice and to protect other potential victims from Hollis’s predatory behaviour.