PLYMOUTH PAEDOPHILE HINTON SHERYN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN PLYMOUTH
In a case that has shocked the local community of Plymouth, Hinton Sheryn, a 68-year-old man with a seemingly successful career as an author and former pop promoter, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against children over a span of more than a decade.Sheryn, who resided on Mount Gould Road in Plymouth, was found guilty of 18 counts of sexual offences, including indecent assault and acts of indecency involving four girls and one boy.
The offences date back to between 1973 and 1986, with additional convictions for similar offences occurring as recently as 2014.
The court heard that his predatory behaviour was not confined to a single incident but was a persistent pattern of abuse that lasted for many years.
The court proceedings revealed that Sheryn had a notorious reputation in his local villages during the 1970s and 1980s, where he was colloquially known as “the flasher” due to his habit of exposing himself in public.
Despite this notoriety, he was never brought to justice until victims courageously came forward last year, prompting a thorough investigation.
The jury, after a seven-day trial, unanimously convicted him of all charges, which included allegations of indecent exposure, indecent assault, and attempts to indecently assault a minor.
During the sentencing, Judge Jeremy Griggs expressed his deep concern over the extent and duration of Sheryn’s offending.
He stated, “You offended on pretty much a weekly basis.
The offending lasted throughout much of her childhood and will have an effect on the remainder of her life.” The judge also highlighted that under current legislation, Sheryn could have faced an even longer sentence, but due to his age and health conditions, his time behind bars is likely to be limited.
His barrister, Malcolm Clarke, pointed out that Sheryn, who has a heart condition, is unlikely to leave prison unless the parole board considers him no longer a risk, which is improbable given the severity of his crimes.
Several victims, some of whom had to relive their traumatic experiences during the trial, attended the sentencing hearing.
One victim, who spoke to The Herald, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the verdict, saying, “It is brilliant.
I am elated.” The court heard that Sheryn’s abuse was not limited to isolated incidents but was a recurring pattern, with some victims describing being subjected to his predatory behaviour over many years.
Sheryn, who had previously denied all charges, claimed that the allegations were fabricated.
He argued that the victims had made up their stories, a stance that the court rejected.
The prosecution presented evidence of five other convictions for indecency with children spanning from 1977 to 2014, illustrating a long history of inappropriate conduct.
Police admitted that opportunities to intervene earlier had been missed, as some victims had reported their concerns to social workers, but their allegations were not believed or acted upon at the time.
In court, the prosecution highlighted that societal attitudes and police procedures have evolved significantly since the 1970s and 1980s, making it easier for victims to come forward today.
Detective Jim Hanrahan of Plymouth CID emphasized that the police now take allegations of sexual offences seriously, regardless of how much time has passed, and are committed to pursuing justice for victims of historical abuse.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, the court heard about Sheryn’s background, which included a career as a China clay worker and a published author of books on excavation and heavy plant machinery.
Despite his professional achievements, his reputation was marred by his dark secret.
His previous convictions included a conviction for common assault in 1994, and he had been involved in other incidents of indecency dating back to the 1970s.
The community of Plymouth was left stunned by the revelations, with many residents recalling his public persona as a successful author and fundraiser.
Several neighbors described him as someone who loved being in the limelight, often participating in local events and political activities.
However, beneath this facade, he was hiding a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct that only came to light after victims found the courage to speak out.
Sheryn’s latest conviction follows a series of incidents, including a 2014 case where he was jailed for 20 months for performing an indecent act in front of a 15-year-old boy.
The boy, who had been befriended by Sheryn, was so distressed that he armed himself with a piece of wood and struck Sheryn when he saw him performing the act.
Sheryn was also convicted of grooming the boy and allowing him to use his computer and cigarettes during their interactions.
As the case concludes, authorities have acknowledged that earlier intervention could have prevented much of the suffering inflicted by Sheryn.
Detective Hanrahan stated, “Times have changed.
The police now investigate all allegations thoroughly, regardless of how far back they go.
We are committed to ensuring that justice is served for all victims, past and present.” The community of Plymouth can now only hope that this lengthy imprisonment will serve as a warning and a step toward healing for those affected by his actions.
