An ex-foster carer was jailed nearly three decades for indecently assaulting a boy as a teenager in 1990s.
Samantha Hesler is 50 years old and had been grooming the teenager for three years with cigarettes, alcohol, and PlayStation games more than 20 decades ago.
Hesler, from Great Broughton, North Yorkshire, had invited teenage children to her home, supposedly so they could become friends with each foster child she was looking after.
But a trial at Teesside Crown Court in October heard that she plied the children with Budweiser and cigarettes, and her home was like ‘a party house’, with bikini-clad Hesler, at the time in her mid-20s, joining the children in her hot tub.
The victim’s mother, who was probably 13-14 at the time of her death, was also present. He was worried that Hesler was too busy and he should stop visiting her.
The court heard testimony from witnesses that Hesler was at the home of the victim and, on one camping trip Hesler disappeared for hours. He was then found in a tent with Hesler.
Witnesses said that he entered Hesler’s room and noticed the boy underneath her duvet.
After a long conversation with his wife, the victim told police about the abuse years later. She said that she had been thinking about becoming a social worker.
Hesler, of The Dorkings in Great Broughton, denied but was convicted Of two counts for indecent attack by touching the boy’s underwear and using a condom to him.
Samantha Hesler (now 50) had been grooming the teenage boy with alcohol, cigarettes, and PlayStation Games during a three-year affair that began over two decades ago.
Her sentence was two-and-a-half years. She was placed on indefinite hold for sex offences.
According to the court, she was not convicted of anything else and is highly respected by all those who have written character references.
The court also heard that she provided assistance to her parents, who were suffering from health issues.
Judge Paul Watson, the Recorder for Middlesbrough stated that grooming was an aspect of the crime and alcohol is used to support it.
He noted that Hesler was older than her victim.
“Despite your age difference, you established a sexual relationship between him and you though it was not the first time, I reminded myself that although we were not dealing with each other for having a complete sexual relationship with him.
He said she was “unlikely” to inflict again and pointed out her absence of other convictions.
In October, Teesside Crown Court heard she had been accused of supplying children with Budweiser, cigarettes and that her home felt like a party. She was in her 20s and was bikini-clad Hesler when she joined the hot tub with the children.
A victim spoke out about the severe effects that abuse caused to him, resulting in depression and post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
“I was only a child at the time that this abuse started.” He said that he had taken my innocence away.
His feelings changed from anger to disgust, and he felt depressed. Also, he suffers from flashbacks and nightmares. He is also afraid of going to bed.
He stated, “I am at home most days with my family,”
“I don’t have any social life anymore and I do not work.” Because I was worried that people would judge me from my past, I decided to give up my business.
“I hate going out, and I keep my distance from siblings and parents.
‘I won’t bring my children to outings because I don’t want them to run into anyone from my past.
“I even thought of moving. But it would not be fair for my family.
According to the victim, he has suffered from depression and PTSD for two years and is currently undergoing counselling.
He continued, “I am certain that what has happened will never be forgotten but I have faith and hope that I will make it through this with the support of all those around me.”