NEIL SELWAY FROM LITTLEHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN DEVON AND NOW LIVING IN PARIS

In a case that has shocked the local community and beyond, Neil Selway, a man originally from Littlehampton, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The disturbing incidents took place in Devon, where Selway was working as a swimming instructor and babysitter before his move to Paris, France, in May 2014.

Back in January 2006, Selway, then 23 years old and residing on Monmouth Road in Honiton, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face charges related to the abuse of a seven-year-old girl. The case came to light when the girl’s parents returned home unexpectedly from an evening out and discovered Selway in bed with their daughter. This shocking discovery led to Selway’s immediate arrest and subsequent trial.

During the court proceedings, Selway admitted to six separate sexual offenses involving the young girl. These included allegations of rape, as well as two charges of making the girl watch sexual acts for his own gratification. He also confessed to performing a sexual act in front of her and to two counts of sexual assault by penetration. The prosecutor, Chris Bennett, detailed how Selway had initially gained the trust of the family by acting as the girl’s swimming coach at a public pool in East Devon, and later, as a private instructor. Over time, he became a trusted babysitter for the girl and her brother, which allowed him to carry out his heinous acts.

One of the most distressing moments in the case was when the girl’s mother found Selway in her kitchen, crouched on the floor with a cutlery knife, attempting to cut his wrists. The mother described him as a “blubbering wreck,” visibly distressed and in a state of emotional turmoil. After Selway left the scene, she contacted the police, leading to his arrest. The court was informed that Selway had no prior criminal convictions and had fully cooperated with police during interviews, making full and frank admissions about his actions.

In mitigation, lawyer Mark Shell argued that Selway had developed an emotional attachment to the child, which contributed to his behavior. A probation report assessed him as being at a low risk of re-offending. Despite this, the court handed down a severe sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. Selway was sentenced to six years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, he was prohibited from living with any child under 16, and from having any unsupervised contact with children without parental consent or disclosure of his sex convictions. He was also barred from seeking employment involving children unless supervised.

Following his conviction, Selway’s life took a drastic turn. He has since moved to Paris, France, where he continues to live away from the public eye. His case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of abuse by trusted individuals.