SWINDON PAEDOPHILE STEPHEN HYAM BLAMES PARKINSON'S MEDICATION IN SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Swindon, Stephen Hyam, a 65-year-old resident of Fitwell Road in the Oakhurst area, has been convicted of sexually abusing two children and subsequently sentenced to a significant prison term.Hyam’s defense attempted to attribute his actions to the side effects of his medication for Parkinson’s disease, claiming that an impulsive and compulsive disorder caused by an overdose was to blame.
However, the court dismissed this explanation, emphasizing that Hyam was fully aware of the wrongfulness of his conduct and had continued his abusive behavior even after being confronted about his initial misconduct.
According to the prosecution, Pushpanjali Gohil, Hyam first sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl earlier in the summer.
After the girl confided in her family about the incident, Hyam was confronted.
He initially denied the allegations, claiming that he had only accidentally touched the girl and that it would not happen again.
Despite this denial, Hyam’s behavior did not cease.
Over the following weeks, he engaged in repeated abuse, this time targeting an eight-year-old boy.
Ms.
Gohil explained that Hyam told the young boy not to tell anyone about what had happened and indicated that he would stop if he thought someone was approaching or if he heard a dog barking, suggesting a calculated attempt to conceal his actions.
During the trial, Hyam, who was initially charged with multiple counts of sexual assault, changed his plea a week before the scheduled hearing.
He admitted to four counts of sexually assaulting a child.
His defense lawyer, Michael Butt, argued that Hyam’s actions were out of character and that his medication, which had been adjusted to a lower dose, could have contributed to impulsive behavior.
Mr.
Butt emphasized that the defense was not claiming Hyam was unaware of the wrongfulness of his actions but suggested that the medication’s side effects might have caused confusion and impulsivity at the time.
Judge Jason Taylor QC addressed the court, stating that Hyam’s behavior demonstrated a clear awareness of his wrongdoing.
The judge pointed out that Hyam had lied when confronted about the initial abuse but then proceeded to abuse another child, despite knowing the severity of his actions.
The judge noted that Hyam’s conduct appeared to be a deliberate decision, and he lacked insight into the gravity of his actions.
The court also acknowledged that Hyam’s medication for Parkinson’s might have influenced his impulsiveness, but this did not absolve him of responsibility.
As part of his sentence, Hyam was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and to comply with a sexual offences prevention order.
The case highlights the serious nature of child sexual abuse and the importance of holding offenders accountable, regardless of underlying health conditions or medication side effects.
Earlier in October 2018, Hyam had been scheduled to stand trial on five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
He initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted to four charges related to incidents that occurred during the summer of 2017.
These included groping a 10-year-old girl in June and July, as well as abusing an eight-year-old boy at least seven times between July and September of that year.
The case was adjourned to allow probation services to prepare a report on Hyam’s suitability for rehabilitation and to determine the length of time he must remain on the sex offender register.
During this period, Hyam was also ordered to register as a sex offender, with the duration of this requirement to be decided based on his eventual sentence.
