Survivor of Child Sex Abuse Bravely Speaks Out

A woman has spoken out about the “harrowing” sexual abuse she suffered when she was a child after her perpetrator was finally brought to justice.
Benjamin John Hassell, now 70, of Clarendon Road, had previously been convicted of indecent assault and seven charges of making indecent images of a child when he was jailed for 7 years and 10 months at Southampton Crown Court.

The sentence follows an investigation by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department.

Amy Chorley, who waived her right to anonymity after the trial, came forward to speak to police to report what had happened to her in 2020, and an investigation was launched. Officers seized a number of electronic devices from Hassell,including a laptop, a digital storage device and an SD card. An examination of these devices revealed more than 2000 indecent images of children.

The court heard how in 1987, when the victim was just six years old, Hassell sexually assaulted her at her grandmother’s house in Southampton.

She said she was pleased that Hassell was now behind bars and could not harm anyone else.

She said: “I absolutely think justice has been served. I can’t be any happier with the way the justice system has supported me.

“What he did to me didn’t just hurt me that night, but harmed me to the present day,” she said in her victim impact statement read to the court.

She described how frightening her experience had been and added “I didn’t have the power when this happened to me,but I have the power today.”

Detective Constable Mark Gallagher, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the woman involved in this case for the bravery and tenacity she has shown, not only in coming forward to speak to us, but also throughout the investigation and criminal justice process. Her courage has meant that Hassell faced justice.

“We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, to contact us on 101.You will be able to speak to our specialist detectives in confidence.
“We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.”

It is clear from the investigation that time is no barrier in criminal proceedings of this nature and that the police will thoroughly investigate any allegations of this nature in order to bring the offender to justice.
Here at Jordans Solicitors, we have been helping victims of child abuse claim compensation for many years.