Former tennis star Bob Hewitt gets six year term for sexual abuse against minors

Former tennis star Bob Hewitt has been jailed for six years by a court in Pretoria, South Africa, for raping underage girls.

Hewitt, 75, was found guilty in March on two counts of rape and one of sexual assault on girls he was coaching in the 1980s and 1990s. Judge Bert Bam criticised the Australian-born player for not showing remorse during his trial. He said justice must be seen to be done, even for ageing offenders. One of the victims who gave evidence at the trial said that Hewitt had assaulted her when she was a 12-year-old.

The BBC quoted the judge, as saying at the time of Hewitt's conviction that the striking similarities between the three victims' testimonies showed that his conduct was calculated. Speaking at the sentencing hearing in Pretoria, Hewitt's wife Delaille had begged the court to show mercy and not award a custodial sentence. Hewitt had testified that he suffered from poor health.

The BBC said Hewitt has also been ordered to pay a fine to the South African Department of Justice, which will help fund its campaigns against sexual abuse. Hewitt, who was a multiple Grand Slam doubles champion in the 1960s and 1970s, is expected to appeal against his conviction and sentence.