Stratford pensioner jailed for string of historic child sex offences - The Stratford Observer

Stratford pensioner jailed for string of historic child sex offences

Stratford Editorial 28th Apr, 2017 Updated: 28th Apr, 2017   0

A PENSIONER from Stratford has been jailed for a string of historic child sex offences.

David Hutchings, of Swan Court, was sentenced to four and-a-half years after pleading guilty at Kidderminster Magistrates Court to five charges relating to gross indecency with a boy under 16 and indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

The 73 year-old will also be placed on the sex offender register and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Hutchings committed the offences in the 1980s when he was a teacher at a school in Worcestershire.




Det Con Stephen Dyer said: “These offences have had an incredibly damaging effect on the two victims over a very long period. I am hopeful that this sentence offers these two men, who were young boys at the time of the offences, some degree of closure.

“I would like to praise both victims in this case for the courage they showed in coming forward and reporting these offences to the authorities. I hope that their strength encourages other victims to come forward and report offences to the police.


“All sexual offences are taken very seriously by West Mercia Police irrespective of when they took place and will be thoroughly investigated. Victims will be supported by specially trained officers who will guide them through each step of the investigation.”

An NSPCC spokesman said: “By carrying out this appalling abuse, Hutchings betrayed the trust placed in him by pupils and their families.

“His victims’ bravery has helped bring him to justice, and it shows survivors of abuse will be listened to – no matter how many years have passed or who the abuser is.”

Victims can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 to speak in confidence with a trained counsellor. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

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