Two Paedophiles, Adam Hastings and Reece Upton, have been sentenced to a cumulative 13 years’ imprisonment for multiple sexual offences against a juvenile boy. Adam Hastings, 28, and Reece Upton, 29, were jailed at Reading Crown Court on Friday, January 31.
On 19 November 2024, Adam Hastings and Reece Upton entered guilty pleas on the second day of their trial at the same court. This follows the evasion of law enforcement for 11 days amid a ‘complicated inquiry.’
Adam Hastings was sentenced to nine years in prison for five charges of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of violating a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
During the same hearing, Reece Upton, 29, of no permanent residence, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for one count of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor.
Detective Constable Cerys Sumpter, the investigating officer, stated: “This was a complex investigation in which Adam Hastings and Reece Upton deliberately evaded law enforcement and remained unlocated for 11 days.” They were sought in relation to several sexual offences alleged by a teenage male victim, which transpired between April and June of the previous year.
I am content that Adam Hastings and Reece Upton have received custodial sentences commensurate with their offence; yet, no penalty can truly equate to the suffering and distress experienced by the victim. I anticipate that the conviction will provide them with a sense of closure over their tragedy.
This case illustrates that Thames Valley Police regard such issues with the highest severity, diligently pursuing perpetrators and exerting every effort to ensure justice is achieved.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.