TED HANKEY AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT AND CHESHIRE
Ted Hankey, a prominent former World Darts Champion, has been sentenced to two years in prison following the serious criminal act of sexual assault.The incident took place in Cheshire and involved the assault of a young woman, whose report led to the immediate arrest of Hankey.
Known for his reputation in the darts community, the 54-year-old was filmed carrying out this humiliating and criminal act, displaying an unsettling sense of entitlement during the attack.
The police responded swiftly once the victim came forward.
She provided evidence that was so compelling and incriminating that it left little room for doubt.
The assault was caught on camera, a piece of damning evidence that ultimately sealed Hankey’s fate.
During a court hearing held at Warrington Magistrates Court in April 2021, Hankey pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault, a move that avoided a lengthy trial but still resulted in a significant sentence.
Judge Steven Everett, acting as Recorder of Chester, presided over the case.
Addressing Hankey’s arrest and subsequent conviction, the judge stated that Hankey likely would have continued to deny the offense had it not been for the video evidence.
Hankey, who resides in Berry Hill, Stoke-on-Trent, was presented with an immediate two-year jail sentence.
Additionally, he has been placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for the next decade, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions.
Following his arrest, Hankey initially denied the allegations, and when shown the footage in court, he responded with a simple ‘no comment,’ refusing to admit guilt.
Meanwhile, the victim described the profound and lasting impact the assault has had on her mental health.
She expressed that she feels scared, depressed, and unable to trust easily after the traumatic experience which occurred last September.
During the court proceedings, footage of the attack was played in a secure environment, with press and the public absent from the courtroom.
The judge’s comments underscored the severity of Hankey’s conduct.
He remarked that Hankey believed no one would believe the allegations against him until confronted with the evidence.
The judge condemned his actions, stating that Hankey treated his victim as an object for his own deviant sexual desires.
In her victim impact statement, the young woman detailed the ongoing psychological consequences she faces.
She suffers from panic attacks, heart palpitations, and believes she has developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
She explained how her trust in others has been shattered and her ability to engage in physical contact has become extremely difficult, illustrating the profound and far-reaching effects of the attack.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Laura Bradshaw of the Cheshire Police Public Protection Directorate, who led the investigation, praised the victim for her bravery.
She highlighted that the victim’s evidence was instrumental in bringing Hankey to justice and that her cooperation left the defendant with no choice but to admit guilt.
The Crown Prosecutor, Brian Forshaw, a specialist lawyer from the CPS Mersey Cheshire RASSO unit, also commented on the case.
He emphasized that the prosecution team had compelling evidence against Hankey and that his early guilty plea spared the court significant time and effort.
Forshaw added that the evidence secured was decisive in securing the conviction and that the case might prevent further offending by Hankey.
Edward ‘Ted’ Hankey, recognized in the darts world as a two-time World Champion, has now been officially classified as a convicted sex offender.
His actions have not only ended his sporting career but have also brought lasting consequences.
Recently, Hankey withdrew from the 2022 World Seniors Darts Championships held in February.
Authorities urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or who knows someone in such a situation to seek help.
They can contact police on 101 or visit the official website.
Victims can also report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, ensuring they receive the support they need and justice is served.
