Felixstowe - Man jailed for sex offences

A man from Felixstowe has been jailed after committing a string of sex offences.

James Hawker, 45, of Cornwall Road, was sentenced to 28 years in jail, and a further six years on extended licence, at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 12 December after being found guilty of 11 counts of sexual assault, four counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration and one offence of attempted rape.

Hawker, at an earlier hearing, pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of voyeurism.

The offences all took place between August 2008 and December 2020. The three-week trial heard he made more than 210,000 indecent images of children.

The offences first came to light in February 2021 when the first victim reported it to police. Following his initial arrest on 1 February he was arrested again on 7 October 2021 and was subsequently charged in October 2023.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer Botting, the investigating officer, said: “This was a horrific series of crimes committed by Hawker over a 13-year period, so to see him convicted for his reprehensible deeds is extremely satisfying. This was a highly complex and lengthy investigation bearing in mind the duration the offences took place and the number of victims that Hawker abused. I would like to pay tribute to the four victims and their parents for their bravery in reporting and giving evidence at trial. This by no means was easy for them to do and they will no doubt be carrying this appalling experience with them for the rest of their lives.

“I only hope that this conviction will bring some measure of justice and reassurance – not only to the victims in this case but to others who may be suffering in silence.

“Suffolk Constabulary remains committed to fully investigating any allegation of sexual abuse and providing the highest level of support and care to any victim while a thorough investigation is carried out. I hope this result will also encourage those victims who may be currently suffering in the same way to come forward report the crime to us.”

To report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences please visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

The Suffolk Independent Sexual Advisory Service supports victims through the criminal justice process and people can self-refer into the service whether they report to police or not and get the relevant support.

Website: The Ferns Centre

Phone: 0330 223 0099 (24/7)

Duty ISVA 07866 142139 (Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm)

Photo via here