PAUL AGAR FROM SCARBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE DURING CAMPING TRIPS IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Scarborough and the surrounding North Yorkshire area, Paul Henry Agar, aged 49, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against a young girl during camping trips. The crimes, which took place over a span of two years, involved grooming and sexual abuse of a girl who was between 14 and 15 years old at the time.

According to court proceedings, Agar, a resident of Briercliffe, engaged in a pattern of manipulative behavior aimed at making his young victim idolize him. This grooming process was carried out during trips to the North Yorkshire Moors and other locations, where Agar, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, took a group of young people, including friends and family members, on camping excursions. Despite his own personal circumstances, including a pregnant 17-year-old partner left at home, Agar continued to pursue these illicit activities.

The court heard that Agar succeeded in persuading the girl to have sex with him and to lose her virginity, despite her young age. The jury was also informed that Agar warned a 16-year-old boy, who became aware of the abuse, that if he disclosed what he knew, his pregnant partner would take her own life. This intimidation was part of Agar’s attempt to silence witnesses and conceal his actions.

During the trial, Agar faced multiple charges, including five counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency with a child. He denied all allegations, claiming that only a few cans of alcohol and some cannabis were used during the trips, and denying any other substance use. However, the jury found him guilty on five charges of sexual activity and one count of indecent assault. He was acquitted of one indecent assault charge, and another charge of indecency with a child was withdrawn during the proceedings.

The offenses were committed between 2003 and 2004, when Agar was approximately 36 years old. The case came to light in 2012 after the victim confided in her husband and initially wrote a heartfelt letter to her family, which was ignored at the time. The authorities were eventually alerted, leading to Agar’s arrest and subsequent trial.

During sentencing, Recorder Amanda Rippon did not hold back her condemnation, stating plainly, “You are a child abuser.” The court’s decision underscores the severity of Agar’s crimes and the lasting impact on his victims, as well as the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people from exploitation and abuse in all settings, including seemingly innocent camping trips in North Yorkshire.