NICHOLAS WESCOTT FROM BUDLEIGH SALTERTON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN DEVON AND WALES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of East Devon and beyond, Nicholas Wescott, a 47-year-old man from Budleigh Salterton, has been handed an indeterminate life sentence after being convicted of raping and sexually abusing three young children. The heinous nature of his crimes, committed across the regions of Devon and Wales, has prompted a stern response from the judicial system, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the ongoing threat he poses to society.

Judge Graham Cottle delivered a powerful and unequivocal verdict at Exeter Crown Court, stating, “Whatever test one applies to dangerousness, you meet the requirements and the only proper sentence is one of imprisonment for the sake of the public and children in particular.” The judge underscored the gravity of Wescott’s offenses, describing each incident as involving “extremely serious sexual conduct.”

He further expressed profound dismay at the betrayal of trust involved in the crimes, noting that Wescott, who was supposed to be a protector and caregiver, instead exploited the innocence of his young victims. “It was an enormous breach of trust when you were meant to be looking after, and protecting them. Instead, you treated them like sex objects to do with as you wished. The consequences of your actions are likely to be serious and permanent,” Judge Cottle remarked.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted Wescott’s current state of denial, despite having pleaded guilty to the charges. “There is no remorse, no contrition, no understanding and no empathy by you for your victims,” he said. “You do not show any inclination of understanding what you did and the risk posed by you is extremely high.” The court was told that Wescott’s sexual interests in children are serious and enduring, and he poses a significant risk to children indefinitely. The judge made it clear that Wescott would not be eligible for release until he demonstrates genuine change.

Details of the offenses reveal that Wescott committed these acts in both Wales and Devon, with victims aged between seven and 12. One of the victims was offered a bribe by Wescott to perform “rude acts,” illustrating the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct. Prosecutor Emma Smith explained that the investigation was triggered by a casual remark made by a girl who was not even a direct victim. Her comment prompted police to launch a comprehensive inquiry, which uncovered Wescott’s disturbing sexual deviancy.

Throughout the legal process, Wescott’s behavior was inconsistent. At one point, he attempted to blame Viagra for his problems, and later claimed depression stemming from an unwanted sexual encounter on a nudist beach he frequented. Initially, he vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the children were lying. However, he eventually pleaded guilty, though even then, he remained largely in denial when speaking with a probation officer.

In mitigation, defense lawyer Rupert Taylor acknowledged Wescott’s difficulty in discussing his actions and described his pleas as an attempt to “limit the damage and spare the victims the ordeal of having to re-live what happened to them under cross-examination.”

Wescott was convicted of multiple serious charges, including child rape, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and four counts of inciting or causing a child to engage in sexual activity. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity.

Judge Cottle also provided a perspective on the length of the sentence, stating that if a determinate sentence had been imposed, it would have been around ten years. This means Wescott would have been required to serve at least five years before being eligible for parole. However, given the circumstances, the judge indicated that Wescott would likely spend considerably more time behind bars, emphasizing the ongoing danger he poses to society and especially to children in the community of Budleigh Salterton and beyond.