GARY TOMLINSON FROM WIDECOMBE-ON-THE-MOOR SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN EXETER

In a case that has shocked the community of Widecombe-on-the-Moor and the wider Devon area, Gary Tomlinson, a 56-year-old factory worker, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years for the serious and disturbing crimes of historic sexual abuse against a young girl. The offences, which took place over a decade ago, involved grooming and indecent assault, and have left a lasting impact on the victim, who displayed remarkable bravery in coming forward to seek justice.

Tomlinson was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court after a four-day trial that revealed the disturbing details of his actions. The court heard that he had groomed the girl, who was only five years old at the time, convincing her that their secret was safe between them. The grooming process involved manipulative tactics aimed at controlling the young victim and silencing her from revealing the abuse.

According to the evidence presented, Tomlinson had inappropriate contact with the girl when she was between the ages of six and nine during the 1990s. Despite the victim’s initial disclosure to her mother at the time, her family decided not to involve the police, a decision that the court acknowledged as a missed opportunity for early intervention. It was only in 2015 that the victim, now an adult, summoned the courage to report the abuse to law enforcement authorities.

The court was informed that the psychological scars inflicted by Tomlinson’s actions have been profound. The victim has struggled for years to come to terms with her experiences, and her bravery in speaking out was highly praised by the judge. Recorder Malcolm Galloway commended her for her courage in giving evidence and reliving her trauma during the trial.

During sentencing, Recorder Galloway described Tomlinson as a controlling, manipulative, and violent man who instructed the young girl to keep her abuse a secret. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victim, stating that she feels robbed of her childhood and is likely suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The judge also highlighted Tomlinson’s apparent lack of remorse for his actions.

In addition to the prison sentence, Tomlinson was ordered to pay costs amounting to £3,500. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.