PAUL KELLY FROM NORFOLK AND NORTHWICH SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In September 2014, a man with connections to both Norfolk and Northwich was handed down a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. Paul Kelly, aged 56, who previously resided in West Norfolk and later moved to Northwich, Cheshire, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes following a trial at Norwich Crown Court.

Kelly was convicted on ten counts of sexual assault against the young girl, with the court hearing that he had groomed her over a period of several years. The grooming process involved Kelly showing the girl pornographic material, which he used as a tool to manipulate and exploit her. The abuse began when the girl was only seven years old, making the crimes particularly disturbing and highlighting the severity of the case.

In addition to the sexual assault charges, Kelly was also found guilty of eight counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing indecent images. These convictions underscore the extent of his misconduct and the malicious intent behind his actions.

During the sentencing, Judge Nicholas Coleman addressed Kelly directly, emphasizing the profound psychological harm inflicted upon the victim. The judge stated, "You preyed on her, you groomed her and used her for your own gratification." He further explained that Kelly had shown the girl pornographic material on television as part of his grooming strategy and had threatened her to prevent her from revealing what was happening.

Judge Coleman acknowledged the emotional toll on the victim, noting that she had to relive her trauma by giving evidence in court. He expressed hope that the fact she was believed would aid her recovery in the future, saying, "She had to relive the nightmare. She was deeply affected by your actions. I express the hope that the fact she has been believed will help her in the future."

As part of his punishment, Kelly was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16. Kelly will also remain on the sex offender’s register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.