Man jailed for sexual offences against children

A man from Lowestoft has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of 11 sexual offences against children.

Paul English of no fixed abode but from the Lowestoft area, was found guilty of eight charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, and three charges of sexual activity with a child under 16, following an eight-day trial.

 

The 43-year-old carried out his crimes over several years, with the earliest offence taking place in 2012, and relate to two different victims.

 

Following police enquiries, English was arrested on 27 January 2022 and subsequently charged with the offences.

 

Today, Friday 21 June, at Ipswich Crown Court he was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. 

 

He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order.

 

Detective Constable Kim Shrubshall who investigated the offences said: “The strength and bravery of both victims to work with us during this two-and-a-half year investigation is nothing short of admirable. 

“I know no sentence will ever take away the trauma the victims suffered and the distressing experience to endure a trial and listen to evidence, but I hope today’s sentencing can serve as the first step towards the closure they deserve. 

 

“I would urge victims of any serious violent or sexual offence to come forward to the police. We are absolutely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and bring those who seek to do them harm to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find courage to come forward and speak with us, we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Child abuse is often a hidden crime, and we work to ensure that the voice of the child is heard and concerns of abuse or neglect are reported and investigated. The Suffolk Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which involves police, county council, education and health, among others works to address issues of risk of harm, abuse and neglect.

 

If you are concerned about an immediate risk to the safety of a child, please call Customer First on 0808 800 4005. In an emergency, call the police on 999. If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of abuse or neglect, please make a referral using the Suffolk Children and Young People's Portal.

 

More details on the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership children's website. https://www.suffolksp.org.uk/concerned/

 

More details on what to do such as how to report it and advice if you know someone who has been abused can be found on our website https://www.suffolk.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/