TERENCE HOCKLEY FROM STOWMARKET SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local community of Stowmarket and the surrounding Suffolk area, Terence Hockley, a 74-year-old man, was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two young schoolgirls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years, with Hockley’s actions taking place at various locations, including his residence and his work van.

Hockley, who resided on Knights Close in Old Newton near Stowmarket, faced a total of ten charges, encompassing attempted rape, indecent assault, and acts of indecency with a child. Despite his initial denial of all allegations, the jury at Ipswich Crown Court convicted him on all counts after a thorough trial. The verdict marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims involved.

The court heard detailed accounts of Hockley's misconduct, which involved indecently touching the girls and coercing them into touching him. One of the victims was subjected to repeated indecent assaults over a period of more than five years, from November 1995 to January 2001, during which she was aged between 11 and 16. The court was informed that these assaults occurred at Hockley's home as well as in his work vehicle, adding a layer of complexity and concern regarding the locations of these crimes.

Furthermore, the jury learned that a second victim, also between the ages of 11 and 13, was subjected to acts of gross indecency by Hockley on multiple occasions from November 1995 to September 1997. These repeated offenses highlight the disturbing nature of Hockley's conduct and the impact it had on the young girls involved.

As a result of his conviction, Hockley was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. Additionally, he will be required to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from potential future offenses. Since his release in April 2015, Hockley has returned to live in Suffolk, raising concerns among local residents about the safety and well-being of the community.