JOSHUA PRYOR FROM PORTSMOUTH SENTENCED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN SHOCKING CRIMES

In October 2012, a disturbing case unfolded at Portsmouth Crown Court involving Joshua Pryor, a man from Portsmouth who was convicted of heinous crimes against young girls. Pryor, a resident of Coburg Street, Landport, was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses, including three counts of rape and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with minors. The court heard how Pryor systematically targeted vulnerable young girls, often gaining their trust by offering them alcohol and cigarettes before subjecting them to sexual abuse.

Relatives of one of Pryor’s victims, who cannot be publicly identified due to legal restrictions, attended the sentencing to witness justice being served. Her aunt, aged 31, expressed her anguish and frustration, stating, “Nine years does not make up for what she has gone through. How can anyone do those things? It’s absolutely disgusting. We have all had to go through so much. That poor girl has had all that happen to her. I can’t even put into words how I would describe him. He is an animal.”

Joshua Pryor, aged 20 at the time, has a criminal record that includes 13 previous convictions, notably for causing grievous bodily harm and affray. During the proceedings, Pryor admitted to escaping from police custody after his arrest related to these offenses, further highlighting his troubled history.

Judge Sarah Munro QC delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing Pryor’s predatory behavior. She stated, “Between 2010 and early this year, you befriended underage girls. You would ply them with drink and cigarettes and make them believe that they were mature enough to have sexual relationships with you. They were attracted to you and your charms. To some extent, they even vied for your affection, and you exploited that to satisfy your own sexual needs.”

Judge Munro further condemned Pryor’s actions, describing him as having all the characteristics of a sexual predator and noting his obsession with underage girls. As part of the sentence, Pryor was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison.

In addition to his incarceration, the court imposed a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits Pryor from having contact with anyone under the age of 16, except in routine circumstances such as shopping or with the permission of parents aware of his convictions. The order also restricts him from deleting his internet search history, and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

In a related report, two men from Portsmouth were jailed for their vigilante attack on Pryor. Stuart Hunt, aged 47 from Montgomery Road, Southsea, received a sentence of 21 months for assault causing actual bodily harm. John Sargeant, aged 46 from Reginald Road, Southsea, was sentenced to 14 months for the same offense, highlighting the community’s response to the case.