The big picture: The sentencing concludes a complex investigation spanning two counties, which began with online surveillance in Essex and led to the discovery of further offences in Suffolk. Advanced forensic techniques, including hand analysis by a leading expert, played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
The details:
Hornsby, of Spring Road in Clacton-on-Sea, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, 5 December.
He received nine years' imprisonment for offences in Essex and six years for offences in Suffolk, to be served consecutively.
The court ordered him to sign the sex offenders' register indefinitely and made him subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
The Suffolk connection: Suffolk Constabulary began investigating Hornsby after receiving reports of sexual assaults on two teenage boys at an address in Trimley St Martin in June 2023.
DC Laura Frelford from Suffolk Constabulary said: "Hornsby demonstrated predatory behaviour. He purposefully befriended the young boys, using alcohol with the intention to manipulate and sexually abuse them when they were vulnerable."
The investigation:
Essex Police initially launched an investigation in 2019 following intelligence about online activity.
A forensic hand expert, Dame Professor Sue Black, provided crucial evidence that helped secure the conviction.
Hornsby pleaded guilty to multiple charges on the second day of his trial.
Support available: Suffolk police encourage anyone affected by sexual abuse to contact:
Suffolk police on 101
The Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre (The Ferns) on 0330 223 0099
Survivors in Transition, which supports male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse
The bottom line: As Hornsby begins a lengthy prison term, Suffolk's network of support services remains ready to help survivors of sexual abuse rebuild their lives.
