PAUL CURNOW SENTENCED IN PENZANCE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In August 2019, a man named Paul Curnow, aged 47, from Penzance, was convicted and subsequently sentenced for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident took place in the Penzance area during September 2018, and the case was brought before Truro Crown Court.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2019, Curnow faced trial on two charges: one for sexually touching a child under the age of 13 and another for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The prosecution detailed the disturbing events that occurred on a single night, during which the young girl, only eight years old, was subjected to inappropriate acts by Curnow while her younger brother was asleep nearby.

According to the court proceedings, the incident began when Curnow approached the girl after she had fallen asleep. He first gave her a hug, then kissed her on the forehead before moving to her lips. The court heard that he then proceeded to pull down her pants and touched her genital area. Curnow further engaged in acts of licking his fingers and repeating the inappropriate contact. During this assault, he removed his shorts, which left him without any clothing underneath, and then took her hand and placed it on his penis.

Throughout the ordeal, there was no verbal communication between Curnow and the young girl. After the acts, he told her not to do it again, a statement that confused her as she had not initiated any of the actions. Despite her confusion, Curnow repeated the inappropriate acts.

The young girl later confided in someone she trusted about what had happened. This person then informed her mother, leading to the case being reported to the police. The girl was interviewed by law enforcement officers in early December 2018, and two weeks later, Curnow was also questioned regarding the allegations.

During the trial, Curnow denied the accusations, claiming innocence. However, the jury, after deliberating for just 37 minutes, found him guilty of both charges. The court's verdict was clear, and the evidence presented was compelling enough to dismiss his denials.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced Paul Curnow to five years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, aimed at protecting the community from any future offenses. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the justice system's role in safeguarding vulnerable children from sexual abuse.