Drayton Manor child sexual abuse case: What the guilty pleas mean for survivors

The news that a former ride operator at Drayton Manor Theme Park has pleaded guilty to 19 child sexual offences against girls under 13 will be very upsetting for survivors, their families, and anyone who trusted that children visiting a popular family attraction would be safe.

Josef Luke Hammond, 24, worked as a ride operator between March and August 2024. Concerns were raised when a child disclosed inappropriate touching to a parent. CCTV was reviewed, the employee was removed from duty and police were informed. Sentencing is due to take place in December.  

Courage of survivors should be recognised

Cases involving child sexual abuse often come to light because a child finds the courage to speak about what has happened. That first disclosure can be incredibly difficult. 

Many survivors worry they won't be believed, fear getting somebody into trouble, or struggle to understand what's happened to them. For younger children especially, it can take significant bravery to report abuse.

The outcome in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to children and taking concerns seriously. The quick response to the initial report meant that an investigation could begin quickly and evidence could be preserved. 

However, for many survivors, criminal proceedings are only one part of the journey. The impact of child sexual abuse can continue long after a criminal case has concluded.

The lasting impact of child sexual abuse

Every survivor's experience is different. Some may experience significant psychological injuries immediately, while others may not fully appreciate the impact of what happened until years later.

For some, the abuse may affect many aspects of their lives well into adulthood.

It's therefore important that survivors have access not only to criminal justice, but also to appropriate therapeutic support and specialist advice regarding their legal rights.

Can abuse survivors bring a civil claim for compensation?

A criminal conviction isn't required before a survivor can bring a civil compensation claim.

In many abuse cases, investigations into civil claims can be commenced even where there has been no prosecution or where criminal proceedings are ongoing.

A civil claim is different from a criminal case. While the criminal courts focus on determining guilt and punishment, a civil claim can assist survivors in obtaining financial compensation for the harm they have suffered and, in some circumstances, help secure accountability from organisations whose systems failed to protect them.

Where abuse occurs in the course of someone’s employment, consideration may also need to be given to whether their employer bears civil responsibility for their actions.

Significantly and generally speaking, if a survivor can show that the abuse happened during the abuser’s employment and it was sufficiently connected to their role, then it’s likely that liability will be able to be established, without any finding of fault on the employer’s behalf.

Every case is fact specific and requires detailed investigation.

Important questions around safeguarding

Many parents will understandably ask how offences of this nature were able to occur in a busy family environment.

While criminal proceedings focus on the actions of the offender, civil investigations frequently consider wider safeguarding issues. These can include whether appropriate policies were in place, whether concerns were identified and acted upon, and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect children.

While Hammond's guilt has been established, there may still be questions that survivors and families wish to understand regarding the circumstances surrounding his actions and safeguards that existed.

Those affected often tell us that understanding what happened and why can form an important part of their recovery.

Legal support for those affected by Drayton Manor child abuse

Staffordshire Police has encouraged any parent or guardian who believes their child may have been affected to come forward.

It's common in abuse investigations for additional survivors to report concerns after criminal proceedings become public. Some individuals may only recognise the significance of what happened to them after seeing media coverage or hearing about the experiences of others.

Anyone affected should know that support is available and that they don't have to face the process alone. They will be listened to.