PAUL BRYANT EXMOUTH AND TIVERTON WRESTLING FAN JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Exmouth and Tiverton, a man named Paul Bryant has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of a young boy. The abuse, which took place over two decades ago, involved Bryant inviting the 13-year-old victim into his private space to watch wrestling videos and engage in seemingly innocent activities that later revealed a darker intent.

According to court records, the incidents occurred in the early 1990s at Bryant’s residence in Exmouth. The young boy, who was just 13 at the time, was lured into Bryant’s bedroom under the pretense of watching WWF wrestling videos. During these visits, Bryant also played computer games with the boy, creating an environment that appeared friendly and harmless on the surface. However, beneath this facade, Bryant exploited the child's innocence and naivety, persuading him to participate in sexual acts.

The initial act of abuse reportedly began with a game of dare, during which Bryant challenged the boy to put his hand into his jogging bottoms and touch his genitals. This disturbing request marked the start of a series of inappropriate encounters. The abuse escalated on a subsequent occasion when the boy was coerced into performing oral sex on Bryant. Despite Bryant’s denial of any sexual activity, the jury at Exeter Crown Court found him guilty of two counts related to indecent assault and indecency with a child, out of a total of eight charges he faced. The court heard that Bryant, now aged 56 and residing on Bampton Street in Tiverton, denied the allegations, but the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a conviction.

Judge Neil Davey, KC, presiding over the case at Plymouth Crown Court, sentenced Bryant to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. The judge emphasized the vulnerability of the young victim, noting that the boy was particularly susceptible due to his personal circumstances and the fact that he was alone with Bryant in his room. The judge remarked, “The boy was particularly vulnerable due to his personal circumstances, being on his own in your room with a grown-up. He was particularly naïve and did not recognize that he was being taken advantage of.”

The court was also informed that the allegations came to light after the now adult victim provided a detailed account during a police interview recorded in 2019. The victim recounted that he had visited Bryant’s small back bedroom in Exmouth, where he watched wrestling videos and was subjected to the abuse. The case has brought to light the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating impact of exploitation by trusted adults, even years after the abuse occurred.