‘Dangerous’ ex-headteacher jailed for 22 years after sexually abusing children as young as three
An 84-year-old former headteacher has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two children.
David John Hampshire, Pickering, North Yorkshire, preyed on children as young as three during the eight years of abuse.
The matter came to the authorities’ attention in December 2022 after one victim disclosed the abuse to their parents. A second victim was identified during the investigation, disclosing abuse that occurred when they were only three-years-old.
Hampshire was a headteacher at an Anglo-Indian school in India before moving to the UK where he worked at a high school in Norfolk.
One victim described how the abuse had caused them to “fall into a numbness” making it difficult to form healthy relationships. The other told the court the abuse had affected “every aspect” of their life “from childhood to now”, adding the trauma continues to haunt them.
Hampshire initially denied the charges but entered a guilty plea in April. He was subsequently convicted of the following offences:
Four counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of indecent assault on a male person.
He was jailed for 22 years and eight months during sentencing at York Crown Court on 13th May.
Detective Constable Lucie Welford of North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team said: “Hampshire is an incredibly dangerous offender who has caused huge suffering to the victims and their families and has shown absolutely no remorse for the horrendous abuse he inflicted.
“I would like to praise the victims for their bravery and for supporting the investigation throughout, helping to ensure that Hampshire was brought to justice. Hopefully today’s sentencing brings them an element of closure, and they can begin to move forward with their lives.”
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we are committed to supporting survivors of abuse, no matter when the abuse occurred. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, but you are not alone. If you were a victim of abuse and would like to explore your legal options in a safe and confidential environment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our specialist team is here to help.
