Photo Courtesy: Reuters
Former tennis champion Bob Hewitt was sentenced to an effective six years behind bars on Monday, after he was found guilty of rape and indecent assault in the High Court sitting in Palm Ridge.
Judge Bert Bam today sentenced Hewitt to eight years imprisonment for the rape of two girls each. The sentences were suspended for two years and will run concurrently.
Hewitt will also be required to pay R100 000 to campaigns dealing with sexual abuse.
“The accused alone is to be blamed,” said Bam. “These were vulnerable children manipulated by the accused.”
Former tennis champion Bob Hewitt was sentenced to an effective six years behind bars on Monday, after he was found guilty of rape and indecent assault in the High Court sitting in Palm Ridge.
Judge Bert Bam today sentenced Hewitt to eight years imprisonment for the rape of two girls each. The sentences were suspended for two years and will run concurrently.
Hewitt will also be required to pay R100 000 to campaigns dealing with sexual abuse.
“The accused alone is to be blamed,” said Bam. “These were vulnerable children manipulated by the accused.”
It’s understood Hewitt will appeal the sentencing.
He has been released on bail.
Hewitt pleaded not guilty after three women came forward, accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting them in the 1980s and 1990s.
One of the victims, Theresa Tolken, told the court Hewitt forced her to perform oral sex on him when she was 12-years old. She testified the former Grand Slam champion ordered her to undress herself and lie on top of him in the bath, where he then attempted to penetrate her.
Another, Suellen Sheehan, testified Hewitt raped her in his car before a tennis practice.
The third woman, who cannot be named, said Hewitt rubbed up against her during one of their coaching sessions in the 1990s.
He has been released on bail.
Hewitt pleaded not guilty after three women came forward, accusing him of raping and sexually assaulting them in the 1980s and 1990s.
One of the victims, Theresa Tolken, told the court Hewitt forced her to perform oral sex on him when she was 12-years old. She testified the former Grand Slam champion ordered her to undress herself and lie on top of him in the bath, where he then attempted to penetrate her.
Another, Suellen Sheehan, testified Hewitt raped her in his car before a tennis practice.
The third woman, who cannot be named, said Hewitt rubbed up against her during one of their coaching sessions in the 1990s.
By: Farai Diza
RSS Feed