TIMOTHY HOBAN FROM WOOLAVINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL GIRL IN TAUNTON

In August 2017, a distressing case unfolded in Taunton involving Timothy Hoban, a 36-year-old man from Woolavington, who was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl over a period exceeding one year. The victim, who was only 10 years old when the abuse began, bravely delivered a heartfelt statement during the court proceedings, expressing her feelings of fear, anger, and trauma caused by Hoban's actions.

Her words, read aloud at Taunton Crown Court, revealed the profound impact of the abuse. She stated, "I know that my story will be read by lots of people and him too. I hate him. I’m scared of him and don’t want to see him again. It’s given me bad dreams. I wake up thinking he’s escaped." The young girl also shared her anguish about the possibility of facing Hoban again, saying, "I couldn’t face him. If I could, I would ask him, ‘Why did you do this to me?’" She expressed her belief that Hoban, who has four children of his own, is a dangerous individual who needs to remain behind bars for her safety, asserting, "I think he needs help, but I think he’s dangerous and should be kept in prison forever."

Hoban’s criminal conduct came to light after the victim confided in a friend, who then informed her mother, prompting a police investigation. The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault—one involving three separate incidents and another a single incident. However, prosecutor Julian Kesner indicated that there were believed to be many more offenses committed by Hoban, though not all were formally charged.

Details of the abuse revealed that Hoban had followed the girl into a toilet, locking the door to carry out the assault before she managed to escape. On another occasion, he pressed himself against a door while abusing her, with another girl attempting to enter the room. During one of these incidents, Hoban, who admitted to the crimes, told the girl, "I love you baby," and made a gesture indicating that the abuse was to be kept secret.

Following his arrest, Hoban was interviewed by detectives, during which he reportedly said, "I feel like a dead man walking," reflecting his remorse or despair. His defense lawyer, Rebecca Bradberry, emphasized that Hoban had made full admissions and expressed deep remorse, stating, "He knows what he did was wrong and is desperate to get help. He fully appreciates the terrible damage he’s caused. He’s deeply sorry. His life is ruined."

Judge David Evans, presiding over the case via videolink from Exeter Prison, sentenced Hoban to a total of eight years in prison. The sentence includes a one-year period of license upon release, during which Hoban will be subject to strict supervision. Additionally, he was ordered to be on the sex offenders register for life and to comply with a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.

The judge condemned Hoban’s conduct, stating, "You behaved abominably to this young girl. The psychological impact will be with her for the foreseeable future." He highlighted that the crimes were aggravated by Hoban’s intoxication at the time and the element of confinement involved in some of the assaults. The overall sentence comprises seven years of imprisonment, with an additional year on extended license.

As the sentence was announced, there was an audible outburst from members of the public gallery. Hoban’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of such crimes, and he will now face the consequences of his actions, including lifelong registration as a sex offender and restrictions aimed at preventing further harm.