HARRY YEOMANS FROM TEIGNMOUTH JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DEVON
| Red Rose Database
Teignmouth Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local community of Teignmouth and the wider Devon area, Harry Yeomans, a 75-year-old former shop owner, has been sentenced to prison for serious child sex offences committed during the early 1980s. Yeomans, who resided on Torquay Road in Paignton, was previously known for owning a variety of shops in Teignmouth, including a popular sweet shop located at the end of the pier, which was described as a 'magnet' for children.
The offences for which Yeomans was convicted took place between 1982 and 1985, involving two young girls aged between 11 and 13 at the time. The court heard that Yeomans had used his position and friendly demeanor to groom and establish a relationship of trust with the victims, which he then exploited to commit acts of sexual assault.
Specifically, Yeomans admitted to raping one girl and indecently assaulting another. The court was informed that one of the assaults occurred in the upstairs stockroom of his video shop, where he also gave the girl money, possibly as a means of further manipulation or bribery. The court also noted that the pier shop, which was a significant part of Yeomans' business portfolio, was a popular spot for children from the surrounding area, making it a strategic location for his predatory behavior.
Prosecutor David Sapiecha emphasized that the pier shop's reputation as a 'magnet for children' was well known, and this environment facilitated Yeomans' grooming process. The court was told that one of the victims did not report the abuse until 2009, citing feelings of guilt and self-blame as reasons for her delayed disclosure.
During the hearing, Yeomans' defence lawyer, Mary McCarthy, highlighted his poor health and lack of prior convictions, noting that he had not been involved in any trouble since the incidents. However, Judge Graham Cottle was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Yeomans had systematically groomed both girls through his friendly interactions at his sweet shop.
Yeomans was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, with a minimum of five years to serve before eligibility for release. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court's commitment to public safety.
The offences for which Yeomans was convicted took place between 1982 and 1985, involving two young girls aged between 11 and 13 at the time. The court heard that Yeomans had used his position and friendly demeanor to groom and establish a relationship of trust with the victims, which he then exploited to commit acts of sexual assault.
Specifically, Yeomans admitted to raping one girl and indecently assaulting another. The court was informed that one of the assaults occurred in the upstairs stockroom of his video shop, where he also gave the girl money, possibly as a means of further manipulation or bribery. The court also noted that the pier shop, which was a significant part of Yeomans' business portfolio, was a popular spot for children from the surrounding area, making it a strategic location for his predatory behavior.
Prosecutor David Sapiecha emphasized that the pier shop's reputation as a 'magnet for children' was well known, and this environment facilitated Yeomans' grooming process. The court was told that one of the victims did not report the abuse until 2009, citing feelings of guilt and self-blame as reasons for her delayed disclosure.
During the hearing, Yeomans' defence lawyer, Mary McCarthy, highlighted his poor health and lack of prior convictions, noting that he had not been involved in any trouble since the incidents. However, Judge Graham Cottle was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Yeomans had systematically groomed both girls through his friendly interactions at his sweet shop.
Yeomans was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, with a minimum of five years to serve before eligibility for release. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court's commitment to public safety.