PAUL ANDREWS SENTENCED IN PLYMOUTH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON GIRL UNDER 13
In a serious case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, a man identified as Paul Andrews has been sentenced to a total of five years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13.The incident, which took place over a period of three years, was brought to light during a court hearing at Truro Crown Court, where Andrews, aged 47 and residing on Greenbank Avenue in Plymouth, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to sexual abuse.
Initially, Andrews faced three separate charges, but on the day his trial was scheduled to commence, he admitted guilt to one count of sexual assault of a minor under 13 and two counts of engaging in sexual activities with a child.
The court was informed that Andrews had accused his young victim of “stitching him up,” a phrase suggesting he believed she had falsely implicated him or caused trouble for him.
Judge Christopher Harvey Clark, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Andrews’ actions.
The judge stated that Andrews had committed these offenses “to gratify your sexual lust for adolescent girls,” highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes.
He further described the offenses as “reflecting frequent sexual abuse over a three-year period,” indicating a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several years.
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Andrews later told a probation officer he had only pleaded guilty on the advice of his legal counsel, suggesting some level of remorse or at least an acknowledgment of guilt.
The victim, whose identity remains protected by law, was described as being “haunted” by the memories of the assaults.
She continues to blame herself for what happened, a common and tragic consequence in cases of childhood sexual abuse.
In mitigation, Andrews’ defense lawyer, Ramsay Quaife, acknowledged that his client accepted full responsibility for his actions, though this did little to mitigate the severity of the sentence.
The court imposed a sentence of five years for the sexual assault charge, with an additional four years for each of the two counts of sexual activity with a child.
All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning Andrews will serve the maximum of five years.
Furthermore, Andrews was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes restrictions on his behavior to protect the public, and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.
These measures are designed to monitor and prevent any further offenses, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system treats such crimes committed within the Plymouth area.
