PAUL CARESWELL FROM FELIXSTOWE AND MARTLESHAM HEATH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AFTER NINE-YEAR ESCAPE

In a significant development in a long-standing child abuse case, Paul Careswell, a 57-year-old man originally from Kersey Road in Felixstowe, has finally been brought to justice after evading trial for nearly a decade. Careswell, who had been living in the Martlesham Heath area following his return from abroad, was convicted of heinous crimes committed against a young girl over an extended period.

The case dates back to August 2009, when Careswell was finally sentenced after a lengthy legal process. The charges stem from offenses that occurred between 1992 and 2000, during which he repeatedly indecently assaulted a girl under the age of 14. His criminal activities came to light after he was arrested in July 2000 for indecently assaulting a girl who was 15 at the time. Despite multiple court appearances, Careswell failed to attend his scheduled trial in November 2000, claiming he needed a break and that he was going to Cardiff for the day. Instead, he traveled to Plymouth and then took a ferry to Spain, effectively fleeing the country to avoid justice.

His disappearance lasted for nine years, during which he traveled extensively across Spain and Thailand, living under the radar. It was only in May of this year that he was finally apprehended when he returned to Gatwick Airport. His arrest marked the end of a long search, and he was subsequently brought back to the UK to face trial.

Following a week-long trial at Ipswich Crown Court, the jury unanimously found Careswell guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency with a child. The court heard harrowing details of the systematic abuse that began when the victim was just eight years old and continued until she was 15. Judge Neil McKittrick described the abuse as a calculated and persistent violation that robbed the young girl of her childhood, emphasizing the severity of the crimes.

During the sentencing, Judge McKittrick addressed Careswell directly, condemning his actions and highlighting the courage of the victim, who had come forward after years of silence. The judge stated, “This was a systematic abuse of a child which started when she was eight and went on until she was 15. It was this consistent and persistent conduct which, to an extent, robbed this child of her childhood.”

He further remarked on Careswell’s attempt to start a new life, noting that he had moved on with a new partner and traveled across Europe, seemingly escaping the consequences of his actions. The judge pointed out that while Careswell was enjoying his new life, the victim was enduring the trauma of his abuse, and her persistence in seeking justice was commendable.

At the conclusion of the trial, Careswell was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He received three and a half years for each of the eight indecent assault charges, to run concurrently, and an additional year for gross indecency, also to run concurrently. Furthermore, he was sentenced to one year for failing to surrender to authorities, which was to run consecutively. As the verdict was read, Careswell was seen sinking into his chair, visibly distressed, holding his head in his hands and weeping.

His release and current residence in the Martlesham Heath area follow his conviction, marking a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for his victim and the community at large.