PAUL BERRY GROOMED AND SEXUALLY ABUSED GIRL IN STROOD, SENTENCED TO 17.5 YEARS IN PRISON
| Red Rose Database
Strood Rapist
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Strood, Paul Berry, a 42-year-old man from Uplands Close, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 and a half years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The case, which unfolded at Maidstone Crown Court, revealed a pattern of grooming, manipulation, and abuse that left a lasting impact on the victim.
Berry was found guilty of seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault. Despite his vehement denials, the court's verdict was clear, with Judge Martin Joy emphasizing the manipulative nature of Berry’s actions. The judge stated, “The evidence was clear that you groomed her for your sexual gratification, and you plied her with alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis to feed your sexual appetite.”
Throughout the trial, which took place in May, the emotional toll on the victim was palpable. Judge Joy remarked on her distress, saying, “No one who was in the courtroom will forget her tears and distress,” highlighting the profound impact of Berry’s actions on her mental well-being.
During the sentencing hearing, the atmosphere in the public gallery was tense, with many expressing anger and disgust towards Berry. Some members of the audience shouted comments such as, “You deserve everything you get,” while others expressed their approval of the judge’s decision. Berry, who continued to deny the charges vehemently, appeared unmoved by the verdict.
Prosecutor Catherine Donnelly provided details of Berry’s grooming tactics, revealing that he worked as a pizza delivery driver and used his position to gain the girl’s trust. She explained that Berry began by buying her cigarettes and alcohol, which she would often consume to the point of intoxication. The girl later disclosed to police that Berry had a lump in his private parts and that his pubic hair was shaved, details that further implicated him in the abuse.
Miss Donnelly described Berry’s conduct as deliberate and manipulative, noting that he used alcohol to dull the girl’s responses and facilitate his sexual advances. The Crown’s case painted a picture of calculated grooming, with Berry exploiting the girl’s vulnerability for his own gratification.
When questioned after his arrest, Berry claimed that no sexual activity had ever taken place and dismissed the allegations as lies. He admitted to giving the girl alcohol on a few occasions but denied ever providing her with cannabis, attempting to deny any wrongdoing despite the overwhelming evidence against him.
Berry was found guilty of seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of indecent assault, and one count of sexual assault. Despite his vehement denials, the court's verdict was clear, with Judge Martin Joy emphasizing the manipulative nature of Berry’s actions. The judge stated, “The evidence was clear that you groomed her for your sexual gratification, and you plied her with alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis to feed your sexual appetite.”
Throughout the trial, which took place in May, the emotional toll on the victim was palpable. Judge Joy remarked on her distress, saying, “No one who was in the courtroom will forget her tears and distress,” highlighting the profound impact of Berry’s actions on her mental well-being.
During the sentencing hearing, the atmosphere in the public gallery was tense, with many expressing anger and disgust towards Berry. Some members of the audience shouted comments such as, “You deserve everything you get,” while others expressed their approval of the judge’s decision. Berry, who continued to deny the charges vehemently, appeared unmoved by the verdict.
Prosecutor Catherine Donnelly provided details of Berry’s grooming tactics, revealing that he worked as a pizza delivery driver and used his position to gain the girl’s trust. She explained that Berry began by buying her cigarettes and alcohol, which she would often consume to the point of intoxication. The girl later disclosed to police that Berry had a lump in his private parts and that his pubic hair was shaved, details that further implicated him in the abuse.
Miss Donnelly described Berry’s conduct as deliberate and manipulative, noting that he used alcohol to dull the girl’s responses and facilitate his sexual advances. The Crown’s case painted a picture of calculated grooming, with Berry exploiting the girl’s vulnerability for his own gratification.
When questioned after his arrest, Berry claimed that no sexual activity had ever taken place and dismissed the allegations as lies. He admitted to giving the girl alcohol on a few occasions but denied ever providing her with cannabis, attempting to deny any wrongdoing despite the overwhelming evidence against him.