Man jailed for sexually abusing teenager in South Devon
A 60-year-old man who sexually abused an underage girl has been jailed today, 19 September.
Paul Hemmings, from Newton Abbot, appeared at Exeter Crown Court where he was sentenced to nine years in prison. He will sign the Sex Offenders Register for Life and the court also granted a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Hemmings pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child on the first day of trial in July and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
The court heard that the offences against the 15-year-old victim took place over a period of three months.
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 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: “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 that she can now 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.
There are lots of organisations and support agencies 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.
Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:
• 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
Victim care
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.
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