Man from Hessle jailed for 25 years over serious child sex offences
53-year-old Richard Oaten was sentenced on Friday
Last updated 10th Sep 2025
A man described as ‘perverted’ and ‘abusive’ has been jailed for 25 years and placed on the sex offenders register for life following his sentencing at Hull Crown Court.
Richard Oaten, 53-years-old, of Fletcher Close in Hessle, was found guilty of six counts of rape of a girl aged between 13 and 15, four counts rape of a girl under 13, two counts of assault of a girl by penetration, two counts of assault of a girl by touching, assault of a girl over 13, and attempted rape of a girl under 13, following a two week trial at Hull Crown Court that began on Monday, 21 July 2025.
An investigation was launched in September 2020 after we received a report concerning non-recent sexual abuse of a child over an eight-year period.
Oaten was arrested and taken into custody to be interviewed by detectives, during which he denied all allegations. He was subsequently charged.
Detective Sergeant Katharine Paddock of Humberside Police said: “Oaten is a perverted man who took advantage of an innocent girls trust in him and subjected her to years of abhorrent abuse, all for his own sexual gratification.
“No amount of prison time will take away the trauma Oaten has inflicted, but I hope this sentence offers some reassurance that he is facing the consequences of his actions and will be behind bars for a very long time.
“I would like to praise the victim for coming forward and for the bravery and courage they have shown throughout this investigation.
"We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will continue to do everything possible to ensure offenders are brought before the courts and seek justice for those who have suffered at the hands of such incomprehensible crimes.
"It is never the victim’s fault, and I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences to report it to us.
"When you are ready, we will listen to you, we will believe you, and we will support you."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual crimes, you can report via the police non-emergency number 101. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is ongoing.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.