Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A man has been jailed for six years after being convicted by a jury of non-recent child sex offences.

Peter Lamble, 47, of Citadel Road in Plymouth, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Tuesday 18 February after being convicted at a trial of sexual activity with a child aged between 13 and 15, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Lamble was found not guilty of a further four counts and a jury failed to reach a verdict on another three. A decision was made not to seek a retrial on the counts for which the jury was unable to reach a decision.

He must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial the court heard how Lamble sexually abused the girl at a number of locations, including in Plymouth and in Cornwall.

The victim in the case later confronted Lamble, who apologised and said he didn’t know what he was doing.

The abuse has had a considerable psychological effect on the victim, who bravely reported what had happened in 2020, leading to a full police investigation.

Lamble denied any wrongdoing in interview.

Officers in the case, DC Alicia Pointon said: “The victim in this case has displayed incredible courage by reporting what happened and remaining engaged throughout the investigation and subsequent court process.

“Peter Lamble has never had the courage to admit what he did and by continuing not to do so he forced the victim to give evidence at a trial.

“It is due to her strength and bravery that he has now been sentenced for his offending.

“It is never too late to report sexual abuse and any report will be thoroughly investigated by the force.”

Support available

If you are a victim of child abuse, or worried for the safety or wellbeing of a child, find out below all the different ways you can get in touch. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns. Your information could help our trained officers and staff protect the child.

The best ways to get in touch

If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

If it isn’t an emergency, please get in touch in any of these other ways:

• call our non-emergency, 24/7 number: 101. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101
• visit a police station to speak to an officer in person
• contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner
• contact the children's social care team at your local council
• contact Fearless confidentially and anonymously

If you’re a child, you could also speak to someone you trust, like a friend, a teacher or another adult.

If you’re a professional working with children, remember you have a responsibility to refer your concerns to Children’s Social Care through your local council.

What happens after you report it to us?

Uniformed officers may take an initial report, after which specialist detectives may investigate. They'll explain in detail what will happen next.

Neither you or the child will be forced to do anything you're not comfortable with. However we will always take action if we think a child is at risk of further harm.

You can also visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.