ZACK HOSKING JAILED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES IN PLYMOUTH AND CAMBORNE
A man identified as Zack Hosking has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl, with the crimes spanning locations in Camborne and Plymouth.The 26-year-old offender, who was formerly residing in Camborne but more recently living in Plymouth, appeared before Truro Crown Court to face justice after admitting to multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Hosking’s criminal conduct involved a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that took place in Camborne during the year 2020.
The court was informed that Hosking had initially met the girl when she was very young, but their contact was interrupted for a period before he re-established communication when she turned 15.
It was during this renewed contact that Hosking began to manipulate her through flirtatious messages and persistent pressure to engage in sexual activities.
Prosecutor Mary McCarthy detailed the extent of Hosking’s predatory behavior, emphasizing how he used gifts and expressions of love as tools to gain control over his young victim.
She explained that Hosking bought her presents and told her he loved her, which served to manipulate her into compliance.
The court heard that Hosking’s offenses included explicit acts such as encouraging the girl to masturbate him and sending him sexual videos.
On one occasion, he provided her with alcohol and chocolate, then asked if she was ready to lose her virginity.
Although she was reluctant, she went along with his demands to appease him, despite experiencing pain.
Hosking then reassured her that her pain was normal before leaving her afterward.
Over the following days, Hosking continued to engage in sexual intercourse with the girl, further coercing her to obtain emergency contraception and to start taking the pill.
His relentless pursuit of sexual encounters persisted over several months, during which he aggressively pressured her to meet him at various locations for sex, despite her discomfort and reluctance.
The victim, in a heartfelt statement, expressed how these traumatic experiences have affected her ability to trust men.
She revealed that she has suffered breakdowns, especially when in the company of men at her workplace, highlighting the long-lasting psychological impact of Hosking’s abuse.
Representing Hosking, lawyer Jason Beal acknowledged his client’s remorse, stating, “His pleas are a public acceptance that she told the truth about what happened.
His acceptance is a recognition that what he did was wrong.
He doesn't engage in victim blaming.” Beal also mentioned the personal hardships Hosking faced, including the recent loss of his mother, father, and stepfather in quick succession.
Judge Simon Carr delivered a stern sentence, describing Hosking’s actions as “the systematic sexual abuse of a child.” The judge emphasized that Hosking reconnected with the girl when she was 15, while he was 23, and quickly began to sexualize their interactions.
The court noted that Hosking showered her with compliments, jewelry, and underwear—all part of his grooming process aimed at sexual exploitation.
The judge condemned Hosking’s treatment of the girl as dehumanizing, stating that he treated her “like an object,” and criticized the language he used as “truly dreadful.” As a result, Hosking was sentenced to eight years in prison and was also placed under a sexual harm prevention order to protect others from potential future offenses.
Detective Constable Shortern, who led the investigation, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, praising the victim’s courage in coming forward.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation, emphasizing the profound and lasting harm caused by such crimes and encouraging others to seek help and report abuse.
