R v Higginson & Higginson: Hanna Llewellyn-Waters, David Patience and Lucy Sweetland prosecute husband and wife convicted of historic sexual abuse

Hanna Llewellyn-Waters leading David Patience and Lucy Sweetland, instructed by CPS RASSO Southeast, prosecuted a husband and wife who were both convicted of multiple counts of historic serious sexual abuse, child cruelty and possession of indecent images of children.

The allegations spanned over a 30-year period and involved five highly vulnerable complainants; as a result, a very extensive disclosure exercise and sensitive witness handling was required. There was also a need to call extensive expert evidence relating to computer, in respect of the indecent image charges. The Crown successfully resisted a severance argument and responded to extensive character and section 41 submissions. 

Following a 7-week trial, the defendants were convicted of 38 out of 39 counts. They were subsequently sentenced to 29 years and 22 years imprisonment respectively. 

Press reports:

• https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpr44d09rz1o
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12213715/amp/Sex-assault-victim-uses-emotional-support-dog-court-UK-legal-first.html
• https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2023-06-19/couple-jailed-for-more-than-50-years-for-multiple-child-sex-offences