STEPHEN HOCKEY'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN WEYMOUTH: DECADES OF PAEDOPHILIA SHOCKS DORCHESTER COURT

In a deeply disturbing case that has left a lasting scar on a young victim, Stephen Paul Hockey, aged 59, from Kestrel View in Weymouth, was sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a girl. The crimes, which spanned over four years, began when the victim was just three years old and continued on a monthly basis from January 1986 to December 1990.

Hockey appeared before Dorchester Crown Court to face four charges of indecent assault. He had previously pleaded guilty to all charges, acknowledging his guilt in connection with the abuse inflicted upon the same young girl. The court was told that the victim, now an adult, was still suffering from the trauma caused by Hockey’s actions.

Prosecutor Carolyn Branford-Wood provided harrowing details of the abuse, revealing that it started when the girl was only three years old. She explained that Hockey would often rub himself against her and touch her inappropriately, actions he committed for his own sexual gratification. The prosecutor also disclosed that Hockey forced the young girl to perform a sexual act on him when she was just three years old, a revelation that underscored the severity of his crimes.

During the hearing, Judge Roger Jarvis commented on the gravity of the offenses, stating, “If you had committed this offence more recently, you would have been charged with rape.” The judge’s words highlighted the disturbing nature of Hockey’s actions, which, although committed over two decades ago, continue to have profound effects.

In a poignant witness statement read aloud in court, the victim described her experience as ‘mind control,’ expressing her desire to protect other children from similar abuse. She stated, “I don’t want to see him punished – I want to protect other kids. You only get one chance at life and he’s messed mine up.” Her words reflected the deep emotional scars left by Hockey’s predatory behavior.

Judge Jarvis acknowledged the long-lasting impact of Hockey’s crimes, emphasizing that the victim’s adult life and ability to form relationships had been significantly affected. He remarked, “It’s plain this has had a huge impact on this victim’s life, her adult life and her ability to form relationships.”

Hockey’s remorse was evident when he fully admitted his guilt during police interviews following his arrest earlier this year in March. He confessed to touching and fondling the girl inappropriately from the age of three for his own sexual pleasure. His solicitor, Lee Christmas, argued that Hockey’s guilty plea was a mitigating factor, sparing the victim from the trauma of a trial and demonstrating his remorse. Christmas stated, “The guilty plea is the best mitigation – not putting the victim through a trial and admitting to the police after he was arrested. He readily accepts they are appalling and accepts he has ruined her life and there is genuine remorse on his part.”

Judge Jarvis condemned Hockey’s actions, citing the victim’s statement about the profound and enduring effects of the abuse. “I’ve read a statement from the victim on the long-term effects of what you did when she was a very little child and they are profound. This lady is suffering still and I doubt time will ever heal what you did to her when she was a child,” the judge said.

As part of his sentence, Hockey was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm. The case has left a lasting impact on all involved, highlighting the devastating consequences of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.