TOBY HAZEL'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN HULL: SEXUAL ATTACK LEAVES WOMAN SUICIDAL AND DEVASTATED
In September 2019, a deeply disturbing case unfolded in Hull involving Toby Hazel, a man from College Grove, who committed a heinous sexual assault that had lasting and devastating effects on his victim.The incident, which took place when the woman was just 18 years old, was characterized by its brutality and the profound trauma inflicted upon her.
According to court proceedings, Hazel's attack was both degrading and humiliating, leaving the victim so traumatized that she attempted to take her own life and was forced to leave her family home.
The court heard that Hazel, then 20, carried out this horrific assault and subsequently attempted to manipulate a minor by engaging in sexual communications while under police investigation for the initial offence.
Prosecutor Mr.
Lowe detailed the events at Hull Crown Court, revealing that the victim knew Hazel personally.
On the day of the assault, Hazel contacted her via Snapchat, asking if he could see her for ten minutes.
When she refused, he offered her a cigarette, which she accepted because she had run out.
Hazel arrived at her home, where her family was present, but after they left, his behavior turned violent.
Mr.
Lowe explained, “They were standing outside chatting when Hazel tried to steer the conversation towards sex.
The victim reminded him that he had a girlfriend.
After some time, Hazel pushed her, pinning her against a cupboard under the stairs and grabbing her around the throat.
She asked what he was doing and expressed her desire for him to stop.” The court was told that Hazel’s actions escalated as he called her offensive names, including “s**g” and “c***,” and kissed her neck.
Despite her pleas and protests, Hazel continued his assault, pinning her against the wall with his full body weight and grabbing her arms.
Throughout the ordeal, the victim was visibly distressed, crying and begging him to stop, but Hazel persisted.
At one point, she felt her resistance weaken, and her body froze as she felt overwhelmed and helpless.
Hazel then moved to the sofa, where he sexually assaulted her in an attack lasting between five and ten minutes, which resulted in injuries to the young woman.
She later confided in her mother about what had happened, but Hazel’s lies complicated the situation.
When questioned by police the following day, Hazel falsely claimed that the woman had consented to the assault, continuing to deny the truth until his trial in 2018.
The victim, who was present in court during part of Hazel’s sentencing, provided a harrowing victim impact statement.
She described her struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis, for which she was prescribed medication.
She revealed that she could not stay in the room where the attack occurred for more than half an hour and had to move out of her home because she could not cope.
Her statement detailed the profound psychological scars left by Hazel’s actions.
She explained that she could only leave her house with someone she trusted, and the sight of Hazel’s face triggers tears and nightmares.
Her family now walks on eggshells around her, and her life has been irrevocably changed.
Once a happy and carefree individual, she now finds it impossible to trust others, to dance, or to go out without fear of judgment or scrutiny.
She expressed her despair about her future, stating she has stopped attending college and feels that her life will never return to normal.
Further complicating Hazel’s case, in January of the same year, while still under investigation for the initial assault, he engaged in inappropriate sexual communications with a 13-year-old girl.
He asked if she wanted to be “friends with benefits” and suggested he could obtain naked pictures from her or her friends.
Hazel claimed he had no intention of acting on these messages, but the girl blocked him, leading to his arrest.
During the court hearing, Hazel pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by penetration and another of attempting to incite sexual communications with a minor under 16.
His defense acknowledged that there was little mitigation for his actions, and the pre-sentence report raised concerns about his behavior.
Judge Thackray sentenced Hazel to six years in prison, deeming him a dangerous offender and imposing an extended four-year license period.
Additionally, Hazel was subjected to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order, bringing his total sentence to ten years.
The judge emphasized the severity of Hazel’s crimes, stating, “You subjected your victim to an appalling, vicious sexual attack from which she may never fully recover.
Your offending had a profound effect on her, leading to suicide attempts, relocation, and ongoing psychological trauma.” Hazel will serve a minimum of six years before being eligible for parole.
His extended license period and lifetime order reflect the court’s determination to prevent further harm and protect the community from his dangerous behavior.
