STUART SYMONDS FROM POCKLINGTON SENTENCED FOR REVOLTING SEXUAL ABUSE IN HULL

In June 2018, a man in his 50s was handed an eight-year prison sentence after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a teenage girl. Stuart Symonds, aged 57 and residing on Kirkgate in Pocklington, faced a jury at Hull Crown Court where he was accused of multiple acts of sexual misconduct involving a young girl.

Symonds had consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the trial, dismissing the allegations as mere fantasies or fabrications created by the victim. Despite his protests, the jury found him guilty of 15 separate sexual offenses committed against the girl. These charges included ten counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual acts, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and one count of producing indecent photographs of a child.

During the proceedings, Symonds initially showed signs of relief when the court acquitted him of the first three charges, which involved two counts of rape and one of sexual assault. He was seen sobbing in the dock upon hearing the not guilty verdicts. However, his emotional response quickly changed when the jury foreman announced a guilty verdict on the remaining 15 charges, silencing him entirely.

Judge Paul Watson QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Symonds to eight years in prison. In his remarks, the judge condemned the defendant’s actions, describing them as a gross abuse of trust and a disgusting exploitation of a vulnerable young girl. The judge highlighted an incident where Symonds had given the girl a “love bite,” illustrating the disturbing nature of his misconduct.

Addressing Symonds directly, Judge Watson stated, “You took advantage of this young girl to sexually abuse her in a frankly disgusting manner. You did this for your own gratification and to satisfy your sexual desires, without regard for her welfare.” The judge further explained that Symonds had bought the girl’s silence, possibly encouraging her to participate through promises of money, cigarettes, and other favors, despite her being too young to make informed decisions.

Describing the case as “revolting,” the judge emphasized the abhorrent nature of Symonds’ activities, especially given the significant age gap between him and his victim. He also noted that Symonds had attempted to dismiss the allegations as fantasies or inventions, but the jury’s verdict proved otherwise. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the crimes committed and the need to protect vulnerable minors from such predatory behavior.