Teenager jailed for 'abhorrent' sexual offences against two girls under 13

James Thomas Hearn, of Bracken Lane, appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (October 17) where he was sentenced to four years in a Young Offenders Institution.

The teenager previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, one multiple incident count of sexual activity with a child under 13 and one multiple incident count of sexual assault of a child under 13 at a hearing on September 12.

The court heard how police received a report on November 10, 2022, that Hearn, who was 16 at the time, was having sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old girl. 

Hearn then targeted a 13-year-old girl on social media in December last year. The court explained how he met with the young girl in the early hours of December, 14, 2023, at Redbridge train station, where he sexually assaulted her.  A short time later, he sexually assaulted her a second time close to his home address. The victim told her mum what had happened to her, and together they reported it to police.

Visit our newsletter page to sign up for free Portsmouth news and sport emails

Hearn began sending the victim threatening messages a couple of months later in March 2024.

Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens and Detective Constable Gemma Boyle, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Western Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigations, said: “What happened to these girls at the hands of Hearn is far beyond what most of us will ever be able to comprehend, and we thank them sincerely for coming forward and reporting what happened to the police.

“Their courage and bravery means that Hearn will now spend time in prison for his abhorrent crimes, which these girls must live with for the rest of their lives. Nothing can ever take away what happened to them, but we do hope that this sentence goes some way to helping them move forward with their lives. 

“We also hope that the news of this sentence helps others who have suffered similar abuse to find the confidence to come forward and speak to the police knowing their voices will be heard and that there is support available.” 

Hearn was sentenced to four years in a Young Offenders Institution, given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.  

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact the police on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

For more information about the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, click here.