Wayne Hassall

Wayne Hassall, a 59-year-old builder from Utkinton, Cheshire, was convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl on his farm in 2021. The incident occurred at Cherry Tree Farm, Quarry Bank, Utkinton, Tarporley, where the victim, a girl whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was about to feed the horses. Hassall suddenly kissed her and professed his love before proceeding to sexually assault her. The girl later confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation.

Under investigation, Hassall fled the UK in March 2022, travelling to the Philippines where he married and remained for several years. An arrest warrant was issued in 2022, but he was not apprehended until August 2024, when he returned to the UK and was arrested at Manchester Airport. Despite denying the charges, Hassall was found guilty by a jury at Chester Crown Court following a trial.

During the sentencing hearing on 10 November 2024, Judge Recorder Michelle Brown stated she was satisfied that Hassall had left the country to avoid prosecution. The court heard from prosecutor Paulinus Barnes that Hassall had discussed giving the girl money and attempted to apologise. In mitigation, Richard Thomas argued that Hassall had been released under investigation without bail conditions and had faced personal hardships in the Philippines, including his wife's serious illness, homelessness, and difficulties obtaining a new passport due to financial constraints. However, the judge rejected these claims, emphasising the significant impact on the victim.

• The victim, in a statement read to the court, expressed profound anger and self-blame: 'I was angry at myself for letting it happen and I became angry at the world... This has ruined me as a person. My innocence was taken away.'
• Her mother described Hassall as 'a vile paedophile and a dangerous man', noting the abuse had stolen a huge part of her daughter's childhood.

Hassall was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment, made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years, and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register. The case was reported by the Manchester Evening News, highlighting the victim's bravery in reliving her ordeal and the court's condemnation of Hassall's actions.