Paul Hemmings, a 60-year-old Newton Abbot Paedophile convicted of sexually abusing a minor has been incarcerated today, 19 September.
Paul Hemmings, a resident of Newton Abbot, was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment at Exeter Crown Court. He will be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for Life, and the court has also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Paul Hemmings entered a guilty plea to nine charges of sexual conduct with a minor on the initial day of the trial in July and was subsequently detained in custody for punishment.
The court was informed that the offences against the 15-year-old victim occurred over three months.
Paul Hemmings initially denied the offences and told Detectives that it was ‘fictitious’ and ‘made up’, but he later changed his plea at trial.
On sentencing Paul Hemmings, the Judge told him that he had tried to minimise his conduct in blaming the victim and only felt remorse for himself.
Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Tamsyn Dingley said: “Paul Hemmings exploited a young girl, who he knew was under the age of consent, and he knew what he did was wrong. Hemmings groomed and manipulated the victim and justice has been served in his conviction.
“My praise and thoughts remain, as always, with the victim for speaking up and telling us what had happened. I hope she can focus on herself and find some closure.”
Detective Inspector Becky Davies said: “I hope that cases and outcomes such as this will encourage other victims to feel that they can speak out.
“You will be heard, and we will seek justice to bring offenders who commit these abhorrent crimes to justice.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report information and crimes on our website.
Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Many organisations and support agencies are available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.
For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.
Our partner agencies also offer advice and support:
- National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
- Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
- Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
If you have been affected by crime, please visit https://orlo.uk/cOqV8 to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.