Man jailed for sexual offences in Plymouth
A man has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison for sexual offences committed in Plymouth.
Dean Newton, 51, of Basingstoke at the time of the offence but now of Scotland, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court for sentence on Thursday 11 July having been convicted after a trial of causing or inciting a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and voyeurism.
Newton committed the offences in a hotel room following a night out in Plymouth in October 2019.
The offences both involve the same victim and came to light in January 2020 when he approached police to report what happened.
On the night in question Newton engaged in sexual activity with the victim as he slept and took photos of him naked on his phone.
Newton was arrested in Basingstoke where he was living at the time and following a full and protracted investigation by detectives from the Sexual Offences Investigation Team, was charged in 2023.
He was found guilty at a trial at Plymouth Crown Court which began on 2 July and was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.
Officer in charge, DC Andrea Dominik said: “Newton took the opportunity to commit these sexual offences on a young vulnerable victim, and they have had a significant impact on the victim’s life, his health and his relationships, and will continue to do so for the rest of his life.
“The victim has shown immense bravery and commitment to the investigation and the court process. I hope the verdict today can provide some level of conclusion to the events for him. His voice has been heard, and the result of the trial shows that victims will be believed, and justice will be done.
“Devon and Cornwall Police are invested in reducing sexual violence. We recognise that the criminal justice system can sometimes be a difficult process for victims, but there are support measures which can be put in place to support them through the whole journey. I hope this gives other people the courage to come forward.”
If you require help or assistance relating to sexual abuse, please look at the below list of helplines:
- National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626
- Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
- Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
- Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174
- First Light is an independent charity supporting people in Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire who have been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please call 101 or visit www.dc.police.uk/contact.
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