Historic child abuser jailed

A FORMER Halifax man, who is now aged 90, has been given an 11-year prison sentence after he admitted a catalogue of child abuse offences dating back to the late 1960s.

George Hunt, who now lives in Aird Road, Beauly, Inverness, had to travel to Newcastle Crown Crown for a video link up to Bradford Crown Court where his lengthy jail sentence was passed by the Recorder of Bradford Judge Richard Mansell QC.

During the hearing Hunt pleaded guilty to 10 charges of indecent assault relating to six complainants, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The court heard that Hunt had abused a seventh youngster, but that offending had taken place in Scotland and was out of the court’s jurisdiction at the time.

Prosecutor Robert Stevenson outlined details of Hunt’s abuse which began in the late 60s and continued against his various victims for over 20 years.

A police investigation was launched in 2016 after one his victims came forward, but after being arrested and questioned Hunt claimed to be “hurt, upset and shocked” by the allegations.

He denied the offences and claimed he was being “set up”, but he admitted his guilt.

Mr Stevenson summarised various victim impact statements in which the women described feeling worthless and being haunted by the memories of the abuse.

Hunt’s lawyer Jeff Smith said he had not offended for 27 years, was no longer a threat to any child and was now truly sorry.

The judge said the prison sentence was likely to mean Hunt would serve out his days in prison, but he said it was of his own doing.

Hunt will now have to register with the police as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Now 90, the man admitted to child abuse offences dating back to the 1960s

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