MARTYN HUMPHREYS SENTENCED IN LISKEARD FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST GIRLS IN PENZANCE

In a recent court hearing at Truro Crown Court, a man identified as Martyn Humphreys, aged 47 and residing in Liskeard, was formally sentenced for serious sexual offenses committed against three young girls. The incidents took place in the Penzance area over a span of more than four years, from September 2005 to November 2009.

Humphreys had previously admitted to four counts of sexual touching and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor during a hearing prior to the sentencing. The details of the case revealed that the assaults involved the girls being touched over their clothing, with the victims not being related to Humphreys. Prosecutor Piers Norsworthy emphasized the gravity of the offenses during the court proceedings.

As the judge, Christopher Elwen, delivered his verdict, members of the public in the gallery expressed their outrage by shouting protests. The court was visibly tense as the sentence was handed down. Humphreys was sentenced to 50 weeks in prison, but this term was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time immediately but would be under supervision during this period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Judge Elwen imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which restricts Humphreys from having any contact with children under the age of 16 unless such contact is supervised by a parent or guardian. The court also mandated that Humphreys sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for the next ten years and ordered him to contribute £1,000 towards prosecution costs.

During the proceedings, Humphreys’ defense counsel, Robert Linford, expressed remorse on his client’s behalf, stating that Humphreys had apologized for his actions. Linford also highlighted that Humphreys had already suffered significant personal consequences, including separation from his wife and children, whose home had been subjected to an attack, though they were deemed blameless in the matter.

Judge Elwen condemned Humphreys’ conduct as abominable and inappropriate but acknowledged that his decision to avoid a trial and the trauma it would have caused the victims was a mitigating factor. The judge’s ruling aimed to balance punishment with the protection of the community, especially vulnerable children. The case has drawn considerable public attention, with protests at the court reflecting community outrage over the crimes committed in Penzance and the leniency of the sentence, which was ultimately suspended.