In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Frederick Hanmer, 68, was released from prison after serving a 13-year sentence for a series of horrific sexual offences. On appearing at Exeter Crown Court in 2010, the defendant—of Ashburton, Devon—was found guilty by a jury of four counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault. It was reported that Hanmer first targeted the victim when she was only seven years old and subjected her to a campaign of abuse that lasted until she was a teenager.
The investigation established the calculated nature of the abuse and the trauma inflicted upon the young girl. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that the victim had initially spoken out about her ordeal when she was a young child, but she subsequently retracted her allegations. The prosecution reported that this retraction was the result of the pressure and fear Hanmer instilled in her, which allowed him to continue his predatory behaviour for several more years before he was finally brought to justice.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Hanmer was a dangerous individual who systematically violated the trust of a vulnerable child. Exeter Crown Court heard that the evidence presented by the survivor was pivotal in securing the 2010 convictions. The investigation established that Hanmer had used his position to ensure the victim remained silent, but the jury eventually saw through his denials and found him guilty on all nine counts of rape and sexual assault.
The Sentencing Judge in 2010 noted that Hanmer’s crimes were among the most serious to come before the court, particularly given the age of the victim when the abuse began. For his actions in Ashburton, Hanmer was handed a 13-year custodial term. The judge noted that the courage shown by the victim in coming forward a second time was the only reason Hanmer was finally removed from society and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Frederick Hanmer is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 13 years (Sentenced 2010).
- Current Status: Released on licence (2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Exeter Crown Court following a Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Child rape (4 counts); Sexual assault (5 counts).
- Origin: Ashburton, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Hanmer is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at a high level of scrutiny following his return to Devon. Due to the nature of his conduct in Ashburton, which involved the repeated rape of a primary school-aged child, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that because he is on the Sex Offenders Register for life, his recent activity on Facebook is being closely monitored; he is legally required to disclose all social media handles to the police.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Hanmer must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of predatory aggression in Devon necessitates permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to approach a minor, fail to disclose a social media account, or breach the conditions of his 2019 release will result in immediate arrest and an instant return to the prison system.
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