JOHN DEVINE FROM MIDDLELEAZE SWINDON SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEX OFFENCES

In October 2013, John Devine, a man residing in Middleleaze, Swindon, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in heinous sexual offenses against a young boy. This conviction followed a series of previous convictions and ongoing investigations into his disturbing history of abuse.

Devine, aged 43 at the time of sentencing, had a multifaceted background, having served as a manager of a street hockey team, a volunteer scout leader, and a swimming pool lifeguard. His criminal record is extensive, including a life sentence handed down in June 2011 for similar offenses. The court ordered him to serve a minimum of six years and two months, with the possibility of parole in March 2017, although the judge explicitly warned that Devine might never be released, given the severity of his crimes.

It was revealed that Devine was already serving a lengthy sentence for abusing other young boys, and he had previously received a 19-month sentence in 2009 for possessing indecent images of children and abusing another young boy. The latest charges stem from incidents that occurred between 2005 and 2007, when Devine was actively involved in coaching a boys’ roller hockey team, a position of trust he exploited to commit his crimes.

The victim, now 14 years old, came forward after the high-profile murder trial of April Jones earlier this year, which prompted the boy to disclose the abuse to his family and subsequently to the police. During police interviews conducted while Devine was incarcerated in the Isle of Wight, he admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the boy, including getting him to perform a sex act and indecently touching him on one occasion. Prosecutor Colin Meeke explained that due to concerns about the potential trauma and damage that could result from forcing the boy to testify in court, only two charges were pursued against Devine.

Further investigation revealed that Devine had developed a close relationship with the boy’s family, often babysitting the child and his older brother. It was during these times that the abuse took place, exploiting the trust placed in him by the family. Devine pleaded guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault of a child under 13.

In his defense, Rob Ross, representing Devine, acknowledged his client’s past actions, noting that Devine had undergone treatment while in prison. Ross emphasized that Devine was not eligible for parole for another three years and that his chances of early release were slim, given the gravity of his offenses. Devine is currently in a relationship with a woman he met prior to his incarceration and expressed hope of reuniting with her upon eventual release.

Judge Euan Ambrose addressed Devine directly, emphasizing the importance of considering what might have happened had the court been aware of these offenses during his 2011 sentencing. The judge described Devine as a predatory paedophile who habitually sought positions of trust—such as coaching a boys’ roller hockey team—to facilitate his sexual predation. The judge stated that the purpose of the current sentence was not only to impose a fitting punishment but also to ensure that Devine remains incarcerated for as long as necessary to protect the public.

He explained that the sentence would effectively delay any potential parole consideration, aligning with the need for public safety and the scale of Devine’s offending. The judge made it clear that given the extent of his criminal behavior, it was highly unlikely Devine would be considered for release at the end of his minimum term, reinforcing the seriousness of his predatory conduct and the ongoing risk he poses to society.