PAUL HAROLD SENTENCED FOR INDECENT ASSAULT IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME

A man named Paul Harold has been formally sentenced after being convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage girl over two decades ago. The case, which has garnered significant attention, was prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service following a detailed investigation conducted by Staffordshire Police. Harold, who is now 47 years old, previously served as a police officer in Newcastle-under-Lyme, with his tenure spanning from October 1996 until June 1997.

In May 1997, Harold was involved in the arrest of a 15-year-old girl suspected of shoplifting within the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The girl, who was described as vulnerable and was residing in a care home at the time, became the victim of Harold’s misconduct. During the course of the arrest, Harold wrote his personal phone number on the back of her hand, an act that later led to further contact. Subsequently, Harold made a phone call to the care home where the girl was staying, and arrangements were made for a meeting. On one such occasion, Harold took the girl to his residence, where he committed indecent assault against her.

When the evidence was presented in court, the jury found Harold guilty of two counts of indecent assault. The case was heard at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where Harold was sentenced to two years in prison. However, the sentence was suspended for a period of two years, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offense during that period.

Claire Brinton, a Specialist Prosecutor working with the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of Harold’s actions. She stated, “Paul Harold abused his position of trust as a police officer to assault a child that he knew was vulnerable.” Brinton also expressed appreciation to the victim for coming forward after many years, highlighting the importance of supporting victims of child sexual abuse and ensuring that offenders are held accountable regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and justice agencies to address historical abuse cases and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.