PAUL BICKERSTAFF SHOCKS ST AUSTELL WITH SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST UNDERAGE GIRL
In December 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Paul Bickerstaff, a man known within the community of St Austell, Cornwall, who was convicted of serious sexual misconduct involving a minor.Bickerstaff, aged 47 at the time, was a former Sunday school teacher and a devout Christian, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the victim and the local community.
According to court proceedings, Bickerstaff engaged in grooming behavior with a teenage girl at his residence while his wife was away at work.
The grooming included a series of inappropriate acts, such as showering naked in front of her, inviting her into his bed, touching her, kissing her, and ultimately performing oral sex.
The court heard that these acts took place at his home in Bethel, St Austell, and that Bickerstaff had confessed to his pastor afterward, stating that he “had sinned and had been crying out to our lord for forgiveness.” During the sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court, Bickerstaff, who had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual touching of a child, appeared to face the consequences of his actions.
The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred the previous year, with the victim remaining anonymous due to her age and the sensitive nature of the case.
Prosecutor Piers Norsworthy detailed the disturbing sequence of events, revealing that Bickerstaff told the girl she was his “soul mate” and complimented her appearance, including her hair.
The court was informed that Bickerstaff then sexually assaulted her at his home, lifting her off the sofa and guiding her toward his bedroom while naked.
Once in bed, the two engaged in kissing, which the girl tried to stop, but Bickerstaff persisted.
He undid her bra, and despite her repeated pleas for him to cease, he continued to assault her, performing oral sex that lasted between five and ten minutes.
Further incidents included Bickerstaff kissing the girl after they visited Roche Rock, a well-known beauty spot.
The girl later confided in her parents about what had happened, leading Bickerstaff to admit his actions to his pastor.
It was also revealed that Bickerstaff had previously worked as a Sunday school teacher and was employed as a gardener at the time of the offenses.
The emotional toll on the victim was evident, as she described feeling “dirty and stupid” and struggling with her self-confidence following the abuse.
She expressed feelings of guilt and shame, revealing her reluctance to involve the police initially, fearing manipulation and confusion about her own feelings.
Defense lawyer Barry Hilliard provided context about Bickerstaff’s troubled background, noting a history of physical and emotional abuse during childhood.
He explained that Bickerstaff left home at 18, served three years in the army—including a stint in Northern Ireland—and later found solace in his church community, where he met his wife.
Hilliard also mentioned that Bickerstaff was experiencing marital difficulties and mental health issues at the time of the offenses.
Hilliard emphasized that Bickerstaff, who had maintained a previously good character, was supported by his wife and church community, and presented letters of reference to the court.
Despite this, Judge Robert Linford acknowledged Bickerstaff’s honesty in admitting his guilt and expressing remorse, stating that many would have denied or remained silent about such crimes.
The judge praised Bickerstaff for his candor but emphasized the severity of the offenses, which warranted a custodial sentence.
Consequently, Bickerstaff was sentenced to two years in prison, with eligibility for release after serving half of that term.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk to the community of St Austell.
